The Ties that Bind
by Rain

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chap 19

Thank You Thank You Thank you for the reviews. I’m always on pins and needles to see what you guys thing. A word of caution, this chapter is a little dark. Spike is an evil Vampire, and the road to redemption is not all peaches and daisy’s. There are some derogatory comments about Angel’s soul in here. This is just how I think that Spike might feel about it. I don’t think that Angel has no hope of redemption or is weak, these are Spike’s thoughts not mine. He’s only been batting for the winning team for a week. Please keep an open mind and tell me what you think, especially about Angel’s character. My next chapter will be a little more Spuffy luv and a little more plot.

Rain

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Eternity trickled by in slow seconds and timid minutes. When Buffy was sure that she would burst Angel’s low slung car finally turned into her drive. Cordelia was driving. She walked around to the passenger side and opened the door and a cloaked figure dashed to the house under a smoldering blanket. Angel was pulling a William. Buffy had no time to smile about the little joke though; she flung open the door, whispered an invite and hauled Angel inside. She even repressed the desire to slam the door in Cordelia’s face.

“Can you feel him?” She asked without preamble. Angel didn’t answer. He stood stupidly in front of the door, just staring at her. “Well? Can you tell where Spike is? I really don’t understand about the whole vampy bond thingy.” Buffy couldn’t keep the sharp bite of impatience out of her voice. An hour, they had taken him a little over an hour ago.

“What? How? I mean Buffy he’s all over you?” Buffy put her hands on her hips and gave him her best glower. Was he planning on helping or just sitting there rambling? “When? How long have you been mated? It isn’t even possible with a human. What the hell were you thinking Buffy? Spike is a dangerous killer!”

Buffy felt like screaming. Couldn’t he just answer the fucking question? “Prophecy, End of the World, Spell gone Wonky, Hell God trying to kill us! Blah Blah Blah. I’ll explain later. Spike is being tortured right now! For me! I can’t feel where he is because of some spell or another and I need to get him out!”

“Geez, Chill Buffy, it’s just Spike.” Cordelia gave her patent eye roll and Buffy lunged at her. Lucky for her, Angel caught her before Buffy could pound her face in. She was so not in the mood for Cordelia’s 0 to Bitch in 90 seconds routine.

“Buffy, I can’t feel him as strong as I should be able to. But I have no doubt that I can track him after the sun goes down. We’ll find him and we’ll get him out. I’ve got to talk to Rupert. Try not to kill or maim anyone.” Somehow just hearing someone say that they would find him calmed her. She went to pacing, pretending she couldn’t hear Giles and Angel talking in hushed quiet whispers. Giles explaining what was going on and Angel demanding to know why he wasn’t called earlier. The wait was excruciating.

Finally the sun sank in a fiery ball below the horizon. Buffy was reminded of another time she had waited for the sun to sink, just a few days ago. How had everything changed so fast? Buffy left Anya and Giles with her mom and Dawn. Angel said he couldn’t really feel Spike, but he could smell him. So they set off on foot the way that Buffy had ran in the first place. Angel led the way, Buffy dogging his heels. Faith, Cordelia, Willow and Xander followed in a loose knot. Buffy told them that the priority was getting Spike out so as soon as he was free, they were to get out as quick as possible. They needed a better plan before they took on Glory in earnest. Buffy was a nervous ball of energy. Spike was fading in and out of consciousness. Please Please Please let him be ok.

Just after the point that Buffy had stopped before when she was chasing after her mate, Angel turned left. He trotted along without hesitation. When she asked if he was sure they were going the right way; Angel gave her an inscrutable look and said that the smell of Spike’s blood was heavy on the air. She almost wished she hadn’t asked. Angel led them on a twisting journey through the streets, ending in the warehouse district. Poor Cordelia was huffing and puffing like the little engine that couldn’t. Willow and Xander weren’t doing much better. Buffy felt a burst of love for her friends that they would push themselves so hard for her. She had no illusions that anyone but her, and maybe Angel, were here for Spike.

They stood in front of an old abandoned building. Angel was balanced on the balls of his feet, completely focused. “He’s definitely in there.” He said quietly. “What are the odds that this is a trap?”

“Why would they cloak the bond if they wanted me to come after him?” She asked. It was nice, side by side with Angel about to do some serious Slaying. She missed having him with her at times like this. Oh God. This was a moment of clarity. She missed his companionship; she missed his back-up. But she no longer missed his kisses. Buffy almost wept with the realization that the desperate flame she had carried for Angel had finally smoldered out. To be replaced by a craving that could very well consume her completely. She needed to be careful with her heart. So Careful.

“We’re going in regardless.” Angel replied with a shrug. It was one of the things she admired about him. Cool composure in the face of the odds. They skirted the direct path of the windows and edged closer to the building. The front door was one of those heavy steal numbers, with an impressive looking lock mechanism. Angel ruthlessly twisted the handle and wretched the door open.

They were met by Spike, stumbling down the hall, completely oblivious to their presence and being chased by short little henchmen in brown robes. Angel sprung past Spike quicker then she could blink and made quick work of the two little men in the hall. Buffy slipped under one of Spike’s rather bloody arms and took his weight onto her shoulders. She felt blood spray over her back and stared for a minute at the horrible pattern it made on the wall, but she didn’t turn around and look. She was pretty sure those two men had been human. The moment she touched her mate she felt the thin veil between them lift and took a deep painful breath as her echo of his pain became more intense. Glory was going to die a long painful death.

Angel swept Spike up into his arms like a sack of potatoes and they ran outside. Buffy could hear Glory shrieking for them to come back with her Vampire. Buffy whipped around, regardless of what she had told the others, Spike was hers! Xander yanked on the hood of her sweater, pulling her off balance and stumbling. He was right. She ran with the others, feet pounded heavily on the blacktop. They were not followed.

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Spike was being carried by strong muscular arms that seemed vaguely familiar. Buffy was close to him, their bond no longer shielded. He took a deep breath to catch her scent and was assaulted by another scent. A scent of home and family and power. The scent of Angelus. Spike was obviously hallucinating. He carefully kept his eyes closed and deliberately kept from breathing. Christ his bloody body hurt. He felt like Martha Stewart on a bender. Seriously twisted out of shape.

He was shifted and bounced rather roughly. Judging by the scent around him they were headed up the stairs of Buffy’s mum’s house. A soft woman’s voice, Joyce, asked after him and was sent away. Spike hitched his breath when he was deposited onto his mate’s bed. The door clicked shut with an air of finality. Spike could smell rage all over his sire. The question was: who was he mad at? That Glory Cunt, Him, or Buffy? Probably all three, he was right steamed. Angelus pulled his bloody shirt away from his body and Spike had to bite his lip to keep from making a sound of agony. “What the hell have you been doing to my Childe?” Angelus shouted angrily. Okay, pissed at Buffy then.

“What do you mean?” Buffy’s voice was soft and wounded. He could feel her confusion coming from the bond. Had Angelus ever spoken to her that way? Probably not, especially since he was toting around his shiny soul.

“Look at him! That stab wound is at least 20 hours old! He looks like he’s been used for a punching bag for at least a week!” Angelus punched something; there was a dry crunching sound. Most likely punched the wall. “Jesus Christ Buffy! What the Fuck have you been doing to my Childe?” His voice was loud, harsh, and angry.

“I…There’s been assassins. Some pink thing, and Vampire’s and Faith…We’ve both been hurt.” Buffy was rattled to say the least. He felt her overwhelming concern for him, her fear and affection. And her confusion. She didn’t really understand, Angelus had probably led her to believe that he hated his Childe. But Angelus had always reserved the right to punish him for himself. Regardless of everything, they were family. Spike had been the favorite Child for over two decades; he and Angelus had been very close, in a violent love hate sort of relationship.

“YOU LET THAT FAITH WHORE STAB HIM AND SHE’S STILL IN THIS HOUSE?” Angelus Bellowed! Buffy let out a surprised sound and Spike realized with a shock that he had started towards her. Spike found himself quite grateful that his Sire had something else to be pissed about besides him shagging his girl six ways from Sunday.

“That’s enough Angelus.” His voice came out raspy and wounded, not at all strong like he needed it to be. He hated for Angelus to see him like this, bruised, battered, broken. It was a shame that he couldn’t at least sound strong and authoritive. Spike cracked his eyes open, wincing at the harsh light in the room, gauging his Sire’s reaction to his given name. He liked to be called that Nancy boy name now, Angel. But he was still Angelus, no matter what he liked to pretend. Both sets of eyes in the room snapped to him, both concerned. At least before Angelus masked all emotion behind that tight mask he wore all the time now. “Leave her be.”

The older Vampire gave a curt nod of acknowledgement and walked close to the bed. He seemed to consider for a moment and Spike made sure to maintain eye contact. Rather stupid of him to provoke the Alpha male that way but he couldn’t help it, blatant disregard for the safe approach was just part of him. Angelus’s lips turned up in the barest of smiles, he knew Spike was challenging him and found it funny, a gravely growl escaped Spike’s dry scratchy throat. Quicker than thought Spike found himself repositioned, leaning up against his Sire’s broad chest, cradled in the vee of his legs. Angelus held his venerable wrist to his Childe’s lips and Spike let out a hungry sound before he could stop himself. “Trying to fatten me up before I’m led to Slaughter?”

Apparently Angelus’s indulgence was at an end because he twisted his hand roughly in Spike’s hair pushing his face into the wrist. “Drink the Fucking Blood, William.” Spike hesitated, trying to judge just how far he could push the other Vampire. Angelus twisted his hair ruthlessly and Spike Vamped and bit into the soft pale skin. Didn’t know why he was making a big deal out of it anyway, it was in his best interest. Hot, Rich, Powerful Sire’s blood flooded his mind and senses. It numbed his pain and heightened his perceptions. “Wouldn’t my blood help him more?” Buffy questioned from beside the bed. She had moved closer to it. He met her eyes even as he sucked greedily from the jagged wound he had left on his Sire’s wrist. Tosser shouldn’t have yanked on his hair so hard.

Spike frowned around the wrist in his mouth when the Slayer’s gaze left him and focused on Angelus instead. “No, Sire’s blood is best.” He replied, voice soft and soothing, his emotions apparently back on that annoying even keel. Buffy gazed at him, concern and love evident in her gaze. The way that she would never look at Spike, no matter what he did, because he was an evil soulless git. Spike shifted, uncomfortable with the jealousy rushing through his system. Unsure of just who he was jealous of. He could feel Angelus’s hardness against his backside, which was why he was in his lap. Fact was bloodletting was an incredible aphrodisiac, wouldn’t want the Slayer to see the effect his Childe was having on him. “Enough William”

Without thought Spike slit his tongue with his fangs, and ran his soothing blood over the wound he had made. A shudder ran through Angelus at the sensation and Spike cursed himself for a bloody wanker, shoving the arm roughly from his mouth. Old habits die hard. And if the Git called him William again he was going to rip his sodding head off. It was a little late to be playing sire games now, a hundred bloody years too late. Truth was he felt fifty times better but he’d hang himself on a cross and wait for dawn before he’d say thank you. Spike struggled to his feet and his sire did nothing to stop him, Buffy grasped his arm as if to hold him up. He’d admit that he was weak as a day old infant but he pulled himself from her grasp anyway. He also ignored the hurt expression on her face. He’d make it up to her later, that is if she let him touch her. She reeked of guilt, now that she had been reminded of the magnificent pouf and his shiny soul.

“Feeling the pull of family Angelus? Decided to come tend to your responsibilities?” His sire winced visibly and turned his head. But Spike never did know when to quit, and keeping his mouth shut wasn’t his strong suit. He drew in a sharp breath at the pain of tight leather on his bruised knuckles as he fished around in his pocket. He hissed out loud when he brushed cold metal, he grasped the chain and pulled it from his pocket. Angelus surged to his feet and they both stood mesmerized for a moment by the spinning charm. Drusilla’s cross. She’d worn it the day she was turned. Angelus had thought it was funny to leave it on her to burn her when she rose. He’d had to take it away from her; she wouldn’t quit burning herself with the damn thing. Spike flung it hard but his infuriating elder caught the damn thing before it could brand his face. “You have other responsibilities.” Spike hissed.

Buffy was brimming with concern and confusion. She took his arm again and he leaned into her instinctively. It just came so natural. He turned his head to breathe in her scent for a moment and was overwhelmed by her sweet smell of her hair. His demon melted away at her nearness and his body swayed closer to soak up more of her heat. Christ she made him dizzy. Or maybe it was all the torture. One could never be sure. “There is nothing that can be done for Dru, you know that Spike.”

Angelus’s voice had a sharp edge, he knew him well enough to know that it was time to drop the subject. His head swiveled back to pin Angelus with a glare. “She needs to be watched, I can’t right now.” Spike carefully did not look in Buffy’s direction but he felt her stiffen beside him. Strong currents of jealousy almost overwhelmed her concern. And the confusion was gone. She knew who they were talking about now. Hadn’t he told her that Drusilla was lost to him? Didn’t she understand that Dru would never take second fiddle? After Buffy, that was all he could offer. “She might decide to frolic in the sunlight, or forget to eat, or burn herself with crosses. What’s the matter Peaches? Helping your own creation doesn’t even the score any in the quest for redemption?” His voice had a bit of bitter edge to it as well.

Angelus wore that lost puppy expression that was new since the soul. The “why is everyone picking on me?” look. The look that signified everything that was different now. The look that Spike hated. “I came here to help you Spike.” Wrong tactic “Daddy”. No Soul, no remorse, so guilt trip #67 wasn’t going to work.

“Yeah so long as it doesn’t tarnish your shiny soul. Tell me Peaches, does helping the undead count? Can you put up a mark on the good deed’s side of the scoreboard? What are you behind now, 3 million?” Spike swayed embarrassingly, so he threw himself into Buffy’s vanity chair in a lazy sprawl. “Well, you’ve done your civic duty, and I’m knackered so you can piss off now.” Spike watched Angelus closely; he closed his eyes and clenched his fists. He’d bet dollars to donuts that the old man was counting to ten. The other Vampire relaxed by bits, until his hands hung loose at his sides.

“What do you need, painkillers?” His voice was soft and even. God he hated that, Spike wanted to push his buttons, rattle him.

“I told you what I need. Your soul damage your hearing? Need things repeated now, like a three day old fledgling?”

His jaw clenched and his large hands formed tight fists. “I can’t harbor a cold blooded killer Spike, Dru would never be able to fit in with my lifestyle now.” Voice still soft and even.

“Dru’ll do whatever “Daddy” tells her to.” Angelus roared. He spun away from both of them, exposing his back. Before the soul Angelus would never have turned his back on him. Angel was a fool. A weeping, pansy ass, fool, staggering under the weight of a two hundred year old soul that could never be redeemed. He could try for all eternity, he was still a Vampire. A thing so evil and vile that the heavens wept. Forever banned to the darkness, animated by stealing the blood of others. The soul didn’t change his name and it didn’t change what he was. It just made him weak.

“Buffy, why do you put up with him? Is he killing?” His voice was still even. Gods, he hated that composure.

“No” Her answer was simple. Without adornment, spoken in a firm unwavering voice. Had to admire the girl. His girl. Hell of a spine she had.

Angelus spun back to them, almost wearing a sneer before he could school his features to careful blandness once again. “And you believe him?”

“He hasn’t left my side.” His sire visibly flinched. Surely he could smell him all over the Slayer. All over her room. Spike couldn’t help his smirk. But it didn’t matter who was shagging her, Angelus still won. He had made a slayer fall in love with him, and she loved him still. His smirk turned sour and he shifted uncomfortably. What he really needed was to dive into Buffy’s warm bed and stay there for three days. Heal up good so they could get to slaying evil hell god’s who liked to fuck with him.

“Spike, what did Glory want with you?” Buffy’s voice was gentle, in no way accusing. He flinched anyway.

“Well first she wanted to know who the key was. Then she wanted me dead so that she could defeat you without problem. I told you we needed to stick together.”

In true Buffy fashion his mate ignored most of what he said. “Did you tell her about Dawn?” She had an almost desperate air about her and Spike hated the fear oozing through her. Angelus left on silent feet and with his withdrawal Spike took a deep calming breath and relaxed. He rose and limped to the bed, falling heavily into the sweet softness of Buffy’s pillows.

“No luv, I didn’t tell her. But she knew it had become human. Maybe it would be a good idea to send the family off with Peaches to LA. Least till we can kill the soddin’ Bitch. I’d prefer her in little bloody bits, I’ll bathe in her blood, I’ll do the bloody backstroke…”

Buffy sat on the bed with him and he drew in a sharp hiss when her weight jarred his broken bones. She started to flit away, guilty, but he reached out and grabbed her hand pulling her back down next to him. She reached out hesitantly, touching his bruised and battered face. “Do you think it’s safe to move them, it might advertise just who the key is if we try to get someone out of the city.”

“Don’t know luv. She’s scary powerful, but those prophecies of Rupert’s say we can defeat her. We just have to figure out how. She doesn’t know everything or she wouldn’t have to resort to torture to get information.” Buffy gave him a wry look.

“I couldn’t find you. I had to call Angel. He came right away; you don’t have to give him such a hard time.” Spike looked away from her, pain and jealousy washing over him. He wished he could keep that from her. She gave him one of those sympathetic looks that made him want to snarl and growl.

“If I didn’t take the piss out of him he’d think I was mad at him.” Buffy gave a low sexy laugh and Spike found himself regretting that he was in no condition to shag her. Make the bloody pouf listen while he made Buffy scream and beg in pleasure. His girl lay down beside him, one hand light on his stomach. Gods she was beautiful. Gods his body hurt. He’d give his left arm for some Lady Caine, or Heroine, or anything really. He hated to say it but if it weren’t for the sire’s blood he probably wouldn’t even be able to keep consciousness. He was seriously tore up. Buffy dozed and he drifted in and out. He was in far too much pain to actually get any real rest.

Spike felt a Vampire approaching the bedroom and stiffened, even though he knew it was Angelus. Buffy’s bug sense, or whatever she called it, clued her in and her eyes snapped open. They both watched the doors, bodies coiled tight, until Angel came in silently, holding a man up by the arm. He was scrawny and wild eyed, gaze darting around the room wildly, heart beating out a marathon in his bony chest. Spike could smell the substances on him, marijuana and something else he couldn’t place.

“All I could find was some morphine.” Spike climbed slowly to his feet, in painful little lurches. Buffy sat up behind him, eyes wide with confusion. Fact was that Vampire’s bodies only processed blood, so the only way to take in a drug was through someone else’s blood. To say he was shocked that the Golden Soul Boy had actually brought him a live someone was the understatement of the year. There was a moment of hesitation before Angel shoved the man roughly in his direction. “He walks away from here William.”

His sire’s voice was cold and without emotion. He had no doubt that the older Vampire would kill to save this man’s worthless life. He pulled the man close, breathing in his fear and confusion. Angelus had obviously not explained in detail what would be required of him. He looked the man in the eyes and vamped. His eyes went wide and he struggled a bit but Spike didn’t waste time, he bit shallow and drank deep. Maybe the guy would think he had a bad dream. Buffy leapt to her feet in outrage. “What the hell do you think you’re doing Angel? He can’t drink that man! What are you doing?” She shrieked when Angelus grabbed her arm and hauled her back from Spike.

“He needs this.” The older Vampire had his head cocked, carefully listening to the man’s heartbeat. He needed have bothered, he wouldn’t kill in front of Buffy, she would stand for it. Buffy squeaked indignantly and ripped her arm free; she had barely started towards them when Spike released his victim. The drugs hit his system in a rush and he fell back on the bed in blissful relief. Angel whipped out his wallet and began to count out twenty’s. “I’ve got to see him out.”

Buffy was in her Slayer stance, arms crossed, eyes flashing. She was magnificent. “This isn’t over Angel.”

“I know.” He replied before ghosting away, shaking boy in hand.

there everybody, I’m really sorry about the long gap in updates. My grandmother is very ill and we’ve been having some other family problems. But here it is, and I promise it won’t be so long again. Oh, and I’m not a doctor so my descriptions of first aid are probably very inaccurate, please excuse my lack of expertise.

Buffy stood and watched Spike a moment. She felt his head spin and his body relax. She couldn't believe Angel. The nerve of bringing Spike a victim. How could he possibly think that she would be on the line with that? But Spike did feel better. Woozy, fuzzy, but in almost no pain. She turned and left the room quietly. She gathered clean first aid supplies from the bathroom and returned. He was sitting up now, elbows on knees, staring at his feet. Sometimes he had such a lost puppy dog look to him. It made her want to comfort him, hold him, which was ridiculous. He was a ruthless killer who preyed specifically on Slayers because they were a challenge to him.

"Your mom? Your sister?" He asked softly. His eyes were all too human, looking up at her with such concern. If everything that she believed about Vampire's was true, why would Spike risk his own existence for her family? For her, he'd done it for her. And staring into his eyes like that she knew he'd do it again in a heartbeat. For all his faults, Spike was loyal and fearless. She knelt down in front of him and undid the button of his leather pants.

"They're fine. Thank you." He lifted his hips off the bed and she pulled the pants down his legs and off. Even in his drugged state he let out a low whistle of pain when the leather peeled away from his mangled knee and Buffy winced. She was so stupid. She should have cut the fucking pants off. She grasped the scissors and made quick work of what was left of his t-shirt. She doused the knee with antiseptic and he jerked involuntarily out of her hand. "I should get Giles; I'm not skilled enough for this."

"No, not Giles. I just need to snap it back in and wrap it up." He started to reach down but she pushed his hands away. She could do this. She grasped his leg on either side of the damage and pulled hard. When she let go his knee rubber banded back into place. She didn't realize that tears were coursing down her cheeks until his gentle hand brushed them away. She looked up at him and he slammed the heel of his hand into his knee. There was a sickening crunch and Buffy quickly looked back down. It looked almost normal now, except for the blood and the bruising. She pulled over clean bandages and began to wrap. "Wrap tighter luv, don't have to worry about my circulation."

She finished quickly, and looked back into his eyes. Eyes that didn't look soulless. Eyes that looked sorrowful, and loving, and lustful. Blue pools of desire that made her body stir and her heart tug. Still it was a shock when he pulled her close and kissed her. For one heart stopping moment she kissed him back with everything she had. Then she pulled back sharply. “No, I’ll hurt you.”

“Baby, I’m feeling only good things.” He tugged on her hand lightly and she tumbled into him. Why was she only clumsy around Spike? She tried to pull away but he had cupped one strong hand around her bum and it felt so nice there. In his completely naked state she could see that he was standing at attention for her, full salute. He brushed his lips across her bare neck and she shivered with pleasure. “Hush luv, I need you.”

She steadied herself on her knees and reached up with both hands to cup his face. Swollen and Bruised and Beautiful. If he hadn’t stayed to make sure that her family was safe then most likely he could have gotten away, that Vampire stealth was unmatched by other creatures. She brushed a light kiss across his lips, he leaned in to deepen the caress but Buffy pulled back. She trailed her hands lightly down his chest, brushing soft wet kisses in her wake. She delighted in the power of her touch, goose bumps trailed her hands, and each soft kiss brought trembles and moans. His ribs were a mass of mottled bruises, layered one over the other. No wonder Angel had been furious, Spike was quite a sight. Buffy just hadn’t realized that they were close like that. She had always been given the impression that they hated each other. Her mind flashed back in time to one night, the three of them had been arguing. She had taken a step towards Spike and Angel had angled his body just slightly so that he stood between them. At the time she had assumed that Angel was protecting her, but looking back he had been protecting Spike. After all she had been the aggressor.

She ran her hands gently over his busted ribs. “Let me wrap these for you.” He didn’t protest and she reached again for the long white strips of bandage. He filled his lungs with air, pushing his ribs out, and Buffy stifled a cry at the soft echo of his pain. She was no longer angry with Angel about the painkillers; she didn’t even want to think about what these bandages would have cost her mate in pain without them. The guy was alive, probably thought it was all a hallucination. She finished and rested her hands lightly on his hips.

“You’re overdressed Buffy.” He whispered and as usual her name on his lips sounded like a dirty pet name, just used between the two of them. He reached for the hem of her shirt but she stopped his hands.

“Spike you’re a mess, lay back, I’ll please you.” She whispered, unwilling to shatter the mood of the room with a loud harsh voice. His eyes darkened with lust and his hands turned in hers, lacing with her fingers.

“I want all of you Slayer, right now.” Her breath hitched. He drew her hands up over her head. “I want to hear those soft breathy moans you make and feel your hot little body writhing beneath me.” He whipped her shirt over her head and ran his hands over her back to her bra clasp. “I want to feel your breath on my neck and your sweet cunny when you cum.” Her bra fell open and he wrenched if off, filling his hands with her pink breasts. He bent his head and nuzzled her breast before darting out his tongue and caressing one hard nipple. “Oh Christ Buffy, want you so bad.”

Buffy pulled back, resting her hands on his shoulders. “Spike, we can’t, everyone will hear.” He pulled her back in and kissed her softly.

“Everyone’s downstairs luv, even little bit.” Little bit? He nibbled on her bottom lip and Buffy let slip an involuntary sound of passion. Good going Slayer, urge him on why don’t you? She pulled back again and looked him in his eyes.

“Angel will hear.” The small current of jealousy that had been running through the back of his mind since Angel’s appearance suddenly flooded through her.

“Angelus isn’t even here.” He bit out angrily. His eyes flashed gold in the dim light before returning to their usual piercing blue.

“He’ll be back Spike, I’m going to go downstairs and check on the others.” She started to move away but he grasped her shoulders and held her where she was.

“Buffy, what does it matter if he hears?” His voice was loud and angry. He tugged her close and kissed her hard. “Fuck, he gave you up.” He fisted his hands in her hair and kissed her again. Softer, but no less desperate. He swept his tongue in her mouth and claimed her completely. An eternity later he pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. “You’re mine now.” He whispered. “Please don’t go.”

Buffy found herself kissing him against her better judgment. For some reason every time he called her “his” it turned her on. And in an independent society of strong women that was practically blasphemy, and she would never admit it to anyone. God he tasted good, even now. His hands seemed to be everywhere, her shoulders, her breasts, in her hair. He scooted back onto the bed more firmly and she followed, desperate now for his touches and caresses. Why did this man have such a profound effect on her? He turned her over so his body covered hers and sighed with satisfaction. His hand ran down her body slowly, fingers soft and questing, till he reached the fastening on her pants. It was one of those hook and eye things but it didn’t faze him for a minute. He made quick work of the clasp and she lifted her hips and helped him get them off. His bare skin came into contact with hers and she let out another moan. She was trying so hard to be quiet but he just wasn’t helping any. He pushed her panties down her legs and ran his hands back up her body till he reached her center. His fingers found her wet and wanting and he let out a low growl. “Now, Spike. Don’t wait, I want you now.”

He let out a string of husky swear words and pulled her legs up higher, sliding deep inside her. Buffy lost all control over her voice, babbling his name over and over as he filled her with pleasure. Throaty words of lust washed over her. She loved listening to him talk even when she was too far gone to pay attention. He moved inside her with strong, slow, sure strokes. In desperation she wrapped her legs around his hips and urged him for more with words and movements. It wasn’t long before she was clawing at his shoulders and they were rocking together in a frantic whirlwind of passion.

Sharp jabs of pleasure jolted through her system each time he moved and she knew she was out of control but didn’t care. Finally she reached a peak of satisfaction and pulled him tight against her body, rocking desperately. It wasn’t seconds before he joined her Crying out her name and some other broken words that she missed. Suddenly her eyes flew open. Had he said he loved her? No she must have heard him wrong. Because one thing was certain, this was not love. Surely he had just called her luv, like he did all the time, and she had jumped to the wrong conclusion.

He lay on top of her, breathing in time with her and she allowed her hands to stroke his back. She loved the way his muscles played under her hands as he levered himself to the side. She had been imagining things, she had. He ran one firm hand from her shoulder to her hip in a soft caress. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She replied, just a little too quickly. He frowned and opened his mouth to say more when his head snapped to the side. He stared at the door intently for a split second before he grabbed the sheet and covered her nakedness. Before she could ask what it was there was a soft knock and Angel opened the door. For a moment she felt relief that he hadn’t opened the door just a few minutes earlier, than realized with horror that he had probably waited for them to finish.

Spike stretched like a cat before reaching for his cigarettes on her bedside table. “Angel, Peaches, come to join us?” It was only his severe injuries, and her very real nakedness that kept her from leaping up and kicking him right then. She wasn’t however able to control her bright pink blush.

“I came to tell you that I wasn’t able to find any Trace of Drusilla, I don’t believe that she’s in Sunnydale any longer.” His voice was clipped and tight, and he was looking at Spike instead of her. Buffy felt she might just curl up and die of shame.

“Come now Peaches, shut the door and come on to bed.” His voice was drawn out in a sexy purr. It came to her that Spike got arrogant and cocky whenever he felt threatened. At first he was that way with her, then Giles, then Faith, and now Angel.

“William, that’s enough! You’re high as a kite and you are upsetting Buffy.” Angel stood stiff as a board, hands fisted tightly at his sides. There was a small tick in his cheek that she had often seen when he was in the presence of Spike.

Spike sat up suddenly, almost taking her sheet with him. She had to grasp for it and pulled it tightly up to her neck, which pulled it low on Spike’s hips. Involuntarily her eyes were drawn to Angel and she noticed his pants were a little tight across the front too. Oh God, he was turned on. Buffy buried her face in her hands and shook. This was not happening. “Don’t pull that Sire Bullshit with me Angelus, it’s too late for that. You didn’t come to tell about Dru, that could have waited till we were downstairs. We all know why you’re really here, don’t we luv?”

“I thought that Drusilla Sired you? But you guys keep acting like…What?” Both of their eyes had zoomed in on her and suddenly, despite all her slayerness she felt small and helpless. ‘Uhhh, Never mind?”

“Why, William, would she think that?” Angel’s voice could have melted aluminum.

“Well because all the Watcher’s books say so…” She really needed to keep her mouth shut. Spike gave an involuntary wince before he smirked up at Angel.

“You disowned me first.” Spike said easily, leaning back against the pillows nonchalantly, but she could feel his apprehension through the bond. Apparently it was justified because Angel sprang across the room and loomed over them menacingly, in full game face.

“You told people she sired you?” Angel’s voice was a soft deadly caress, he balanced on the balls of his feet, and Buffy suddenly wondered if she was going to have to defend her mate stark naked.

“I didn’t deny it.” Spike spoke without a trace of his usual mockery. Completely serious, he met Angel’s eyes without fear. “Are you coming to bed Peaches, or not?”

Angel stood there for a long moment; game face melted away, frown firmly on his handsome features. Was he actually considering Spike’s invitation? If he made one step towards that bed she would kill them both and be done with Vampire’s forever. “You’re high, in the morning you’d stake me.” And with that parting statement he was gone. Buffy knew that she was gaping like a fish; mouth hung open, wide staring eyes. But she needed a moment to process the last ten minutes. Unable to contemplate the idea that her former lover and greatest love had seriously considered getting into bed with her Spike. Or the fact that Spike had known he would want to. Buffy latched onto the safest item for discussion.

“You let me believe that she was your sire so I would let you bite me on the hell-mouth.” She accused. Spike actually sighed before getting out of bed and digging through his bag for a pair of pants.

“We were the same blood, I took a gamble, and it worked.” Buffy sputtered, the gall.

“You just wanted my blood!”

“Did I kill you? No, and I could have. You’d have died happy too. If it didn’t work you were dead anyway. I don’t even think has any living Childe, she has a tendency to abandon them or kill them.” He pulled on his pants, wincing at their tightness and zipped the fly, leaving the button undone. She had a strong desire to snap it for him, and to hit him upside the head.

“You could have told me!” She shrieked. She knew this wasn’t the only reason she was mad but rather this than the other.

“Why, because we were so close then? Mortal enemies ring a bell.”

“If we were such mortal enemy’s, why didn’t you kill me? Huh, answer me that.” Buffy climbed out of bed and went to her dresser to find herself some clothes. She felt his body tighten with desire at the sight of her nakedness but didn’t stop, pulling on the first pair of panties that she touched.

“Cause, we were under truce.” She fumbled with a flimsy bra, finally getting it clasped and slipping the straps over her shoulders.

“And you are so honorable?” Buffy started violently when she felt his hands at her waist.

“Relax Slayer; I knew he would say no.” Buffy wretched away from him and spun. She wanted to smack his face but he was already hurt so badly. His eyes drifted to her heaving chest for a moment before he became aware of it and snapped his gaze back up to her eyes. “I was just baiting him and you got in the middle, I’m sorry.” Spike had just apologized to her. She half expected the windows to frost over and snow to fall. After all, hell must have just frozen over. And it took the wind right out of her sails.

“He didn’t look like he wanted to say no to me.” She muttered, looking down. She reached out and snapped his button, wondering absently if he had left it undone just so she would snap it.

“Of course he didn’t want to say no,” He pulled her close to him and she buried her face in his shoulder. “But, soul and all, can’t risk it. Why would anybody want to say no to us?”

“You’re insufferable.” She muttered.

“I know.” He replied

“And if he had wanted to come to bed with us?” She looked up at him sharply and he smiled.

“No one makes you do anything you don’t want to Pet.”

Buffy followed Spike down the stairs, fully sated after another quick romp and finally properly dressed. She felt all funny in her head, trying to concentrate on Glory and how to defeat her because so many other things were too crazy to think about. Her friends and family were scattered around the living room watching television. One of those British films that Xander thought was so funny. She paused suddenly, wondering exactly what they had all heard. Based on the awkward smiles and shuffling feet, far more than she would have wanted. Spike brushed past them all and went outside.

Angel stood and walked to her. “Are you alright Buffy? Things between Spike and I get a little crazy sometimes.” Buffy found it hard to meet his eyes but forced herself. He had wanted to, his soul and thought of mayhem in the morning was all that had kept him from it. She wasn’t too sure how she felt about that.

“Yeah, Spike uhm apologized.” His eyes widened in surprise but then he narrowed his eyes over her shoulder. “What is he doing to my car?”

Buffy turned to look out the window; Spike had his knife out and was fiddling with the latch on Angel’s trunk. With a faint pop it opened and he began to rummage around inside. Cordelia surged her feet, squealing something about her stuff and barreled out the door. Distracted from the television the whole room watched as Cordelia ran out and began to whack him in his arm while he ignored her and continued to look through the contents of the trunk. After a moment he began to throw things behind him and Cordelia shrieked like a madwoman. Suddenly Spike held up what looked like a bottle of alcohol and slammed the trunk closed, leaving Cordelia’s pink frilly suitcases all over the driveway. Buffy almost felt sorry for her, almost.

He sauntered back in leaving Cordelia squawking furiously for him to come clean up his mess and smirked at Angel, holding up a bottle of Irish whiskey. “Celebrate?”

Angel crossed his arms over his chest and gave Spike a tight smile. “And what are we celebrating?”

“My lovely mate?” Angel let out a low growl and Spike took a quick step back out of range. “Or maybe the return of your surly soul?”

Faith had sidled up next to Buffy at some point and asked softly. “Now that you’re done with Angel…” Buffy sounded a lot like a Vampire when she growled.


“I appreciate the sentiment, but I have to be going if I’m going to make it back to LA before dawn.” He turned to her and gave a soft smile. “Spike mentioned something about me taking you’re family with me, I could put them up at the hotel, have Cordy cast a protection spell.”

Buffy fidgeted while Dawn and her mother both protested loudly. She looked at Willow and Giles who were both silent, and Xander who was also protesting anybody being left in the care of Angel. This was really up to her. She looked at Spike; a human would never have survived that kind of torture. Much less live to stand in her living room, all insolent grace, and chugging strait from a bottle of whisky. “I’d appreciate it.” She finally answered and turned to her mother to explain why it was necessary. And that she would try to make their stint in LA as short as possible.

After much arguing and packing and screaming on Dawns part, she finally stood in the driveway and watched Angel drive away with her family in tow. She couldn’t help feeling like she was abandoning them. But Angel was capable of protecting them and she and Spike had a battle to fight. He slipped his arm around her shoulders and gave her a brief squeeze; despite the others watching and they went into the house together.
 

Thank you so much for your concern for my family. It's very appreciated.

“I can’t believe you sent them off with Deadboy!” Xander was acting like his usual raving lunatic self.

“Xander, I hardly think that a few days in Dawns pleasant company will give Angel a moment of perfect Happiness. I’m sure his soul will remain properly miserable until this whole Glory thing is over.” Buffy and the gang sat strung around the kitchen table. It was time to get down to business. They had one Hell God to destroy and Buffy wanted it done and over with as soon as possible. She needed to get her family back home. She needed to go back to school and study hard. And she really needed to sort out what was going on between her and one bleached menace.

“She had to give him something to do, so he didn’t get all broody when Buffy tossed him out on his ear for her current Vamp of the week.” Buffy was up and halfway across the room before to break Faith’s face before she regained control of herself. She stood in the middle of the kitchen and took several deep calming breaths, then turned and walked back to her seat with as much dignity as she could manage. Just because she was the Slayer didn’t give her the right to go around clawing people’s eyes out. Even when they deserved it. She shot Faith a look of deepest loathing, and then blushed wondering if anyone would guess that she had borrowed the look from Spike.

“If we can get to business please, I’d like to have my family returned to me as soon as possible.” Buffy placed her hands primly in her lap and turned to Giles. “What have you learned about my bond with Spike? I still don’t understand how it helps us. The woman’s kicked both our sorry butts.”

“That Bint did not kick my butt!” Spike exclaimed, jumping to his feet again. Apparently drugs made him jumpy. Come to think of it he was always pretty animated. He began to pace around the small space of the kitchen and Buffy bit back the desire to snap at him to sit down. “She had help; if she’d been alone I could have taken her.”

Even injured he walked with a sexy strut. All fluid grace and gangster strut. She’d tried to tell him he shouldn’t put so much weight on that knee but he had waved her off saying it was half healed already. He was so stubborn.

“I can’t wait till we find her. I’m gonna rip her soddin head off. I’m going to bash her bloody teeth in. I’m gonna…”

“Enough Spike, what we need is information.” He turned and gave her his trademark smirk. He looked her from head to toe in a slow, purely indecent way, and then took out his cigarettes. Faith stretched her hands over her head in a feline move bursting with sexuality. Spike didn’t seem to notice and Buffy felt a strong burst of affection for him. He looked at her inquisitively, his head tilted to one side, eyes staring right into her soul. She blushed and looked away.

“I think we all ought to just mount up, go in there guns blazing, and just slay her.” Faith was now twisting in her chair in a slow sexy way. Spike was looking at her but he didn’t seem to notice her twisting about. Her voice dropped to a slower, sultrier pitch. “I mean really, me and B could take her. Plus we got her pet Vamp there. Tonight’s as good as any other night. Take her by surprise.”

“Summers,” Spike said with a false air of serenity and a lecherous snide twist of his lips. “She’s really just taking up space here and annoying you, Can’t I just eat her?”

Argument broke out all over the kitchen. Faith jumped up in outrage, Xander about tripped over himself jumping to defend her. Anya was banging her fist into Xander’s arm in a fit of jealousy. Willow and Giles were both trying to restore peace. Spike was right in the thick of it, of course. Buffy took deep calming breaths. Buffy counted slowly to ten. Buffy jumped up and screamed at everyone to “Shut Up.”

“You!” She pointed at Xander. “Are going to stay out of it, sit down!” Xander plopped into the nearest chair, eyes goggled. “You!” She directed her Ms. Pointy finger at Anya. “Are going to sit by him and make sure he behaves.” Anya’s triumphant look made Buffy want to yell at her some more, but there were juicier targets begging for attention. Her finger homed in on Faith. “You are going to quit antagonizing Spike. I don’t have the time or the patience to baby-sit. One more comment about him being my pet and I’ll let him eat you.” She spun around to face Spike, the catalyst. Standing there, completely relaxed, with such a smug look. Like the cat who ate the canary. “Quit being so smug!” She snapped. He grinned at her. “Remember you are a guest here and don’t threaten my friends.”

“Oh come on Pet, Was just a bit of sport. I bet the bint tastes like motor oil anyway. Sides she’s the one can’t keep her soddin gob shut.” Faith sputtered in the background and Buffy held up one hand to forestall anything she might have to say.

“Spike! Now is not the time for this. I want Glory dead, and sitting around arguing like toddlers is not going to make it happen.”

“You’re no fun.” He groused. And finally got around to lighting the cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth. Buffy found herself momentarily hypnotized by his hands as he casually lifted his silver lighter, flipped the latch, lit his smoke, and tucked the piece back in his skin tight jeans. He felt her relax and gave her a small sexy smile, eyes going to her mouth with an almost hungry look. “All right then, on with the meeting. Gods to kill, bunnies to rescue, heroic things need doing.”

Buffy flopped back in her chair with a sigh. Spike moved closer to her, almost instinctively but didn’t touch her. He was breathing in time with her again. She liked that he got so in tune with her that he mirrored her breaths without realizing it. “Giles, Willow, Please tell me you know something useful?”

“Not as much as we would like to know Buffy, there really isn’t a lot of information on Glory in our texts.” Giles paused and gave her a kind look. “We believe that she is trapped in this dimension by accident. The key is an inter-dimensional portal; she could use it to travel to her own hell dimension. The problem is that we would all be sucked in with her. There are only certain times of the year that Glory will be powerful enough to activate the key. This phase of the moons she is most powerful, within about two weeks her power will begin to wane and we might have a change at defeating her. If we can keep the key out of her hands until then…”

“Chit’s not gonna come calling for tea when she’s under power Rupes. She’s gonna drop out of sight until the next time she comes into her own.” Spike interrupted.

“I was going to suggest, Spike, that we locate her and watch her. She’ll be frantic to find the key, it will be a year before we hit this equinox again, and she’ll be distracted. We can watch her and attack the second she turns tail to run.” Buffy nodded. It made sense. But there was a lot of room for error, and two weeks was a long time for her family to be gone. She met Spike’s eyes for a minute and found comfort there.

“What about the mating bond? Have you found any relevant information about how that’s supposed to help us?” Really it made no sense. The bond affected no one except for them. How on earth was it supposed to help defeat a hell god?

“I’m sorry Buffy. It’s very clear that the bond is necessary to success in defeating this evil but the texts give to indication as to the how or the why of it. My guess would be that the bond insures that Spike is on our side, without it he certainly would not be sitting in on this meeting, much less…”

Buffy found herself distracted by Faith again. She was leaning back in her chair, legs crossed daintily and looking up at Spike from under her lashes. Buffy was so not imagining it. She was flirting with him! And he was completely ignoring her. Too completely not to know exactly what she was doing. One thing about Spike was that he was always aware of his surroundings. It unnerved her sometimes. She watched him smoke for several seconds, taking in his relaxed pose, before mentally slapping herself and returning to the conversation at hand. Giles was rambling on about obscure passages and gesturing seriously. Willow was hanging on his every word. Ayna was groping Xander under the table; she couldn’t see anything but he was wearing that now familiar glazed look in his eye. But then again it could have been Faith that caused his Zoning out. She had produced a sucker and was working it like a French whore.

Spike pulled himself up onto the island and examined his nails. He wore the look of supreme boredom convincingly. Giles occasionally shot him irritated looks, which would soon be followed by a disapproving scowl from Willow. But Buffy knew him too well. Spike was an observer of people. He watched all the time. And she had an advantage. His mind was drawn tight as a bowstring. She had no doubt that he was mentally filing every word that fell from Giles’s lips. He noticed her noticing and ran his tongue over his teeth in a decidedly suggestive way. Really, he had no discretion to speak of. Buffy tossed her hair and rolled her eyes, turning back to Giles. She crossed her legs demurely, deliberately letting her skirt ride up her thighs. Spike’s sexual awareness shot through the roof. He was so easy.

“So the great plan is to sit on our duffs and do nothing? Slayer lets go kill things.” Spike growled. To the casual observer Spike was beginning to get impatient with the conversation and his boredom was getting to him. Buffy knew damn good and well he wanted to get her alone. Giles directed a very dirty look at Spike for interrupting and began to talk again. Buffy frowned. Even if she was trying to follow him what good did it do her to know about 7 equinox’s? She just needed to kill Glory. And she definitely was not in with the wait two weeks and wait for her to run plan.

“Giles,” She interrupted, deliberately spinning a curl around her forefinger. She could tell by Faith’s murderous glare that Spike’s hot gaze was on her. “We need to come up with something more in the now to do about Glory. I was thinking that she needs to be found and ambushed.”

“Rupes, does all your blathering contain any timeline on when we defeat the little woman?” Spike pushed himself off the counter and sauntered back into her personal space. Buffy’s skin broke out in a rash of goose bumps. He didn’t touch her, but he was close enough to touch her, she wanted him to touch her. Maybe they should nix the chatter and go kill things. Could everyone read it on her face, her rampant lust for a vampire? Her Vampire. When this was all over she was going to have her own padded room at the local metal institution. Not surprisingly Sunnydale had a rather large well funded center.

“No one wants to hear your opinion. No one cares what you have to say.” Xander said vehemently. Spike growled affectionately at him and everyone at the table stiffened again. Buffy bit her lip to keep from laughing. Spike of course was completely horrified by the affection factor. Poor Baby. He brushed his fingers under her hair across the nape of her neck and Buffy lost her train of thought.

“There is no apparent timeline. This event could take place tomorrow or next year. Also whether or not the key is directly involved is not at all apparent. Only that the key must be protected. Now, if we could get back to my research…In about 9 days we will be past the peak of….”

Blah Blah Blah…Buffy felt restless and tired at the same time. Did that make any sense? “Giles, I’m sorry but it’s late. Do you want to stay in the guest room? Willow can have mom’s room and Xander and Anya can have Dawns room. Faith do you mind crashing on the couch again?”

“What the whole Brady Bunch is staying here? What are you doing, stocking snacks for your lover?” Faith groused, her face now drawn into an angry petulant pout. She obviously wasn’t used to being ignored. Spike’s good humor evaporated instantly. Every muscle in his body tightened and he rolled onto the balls of his feet, his whole body vibrated with pre-fight tension. To the rest of the room he looked cocky and restless bouncing around like a three year old. She knew different now, he was ready to spring across the room and do some serious damage. She reached out one slender hand and laid it on Spike’s taut forearm. He literally trembled under her fingers but he held himself in check. She found herself impressed with his restraint. He was still high as a kite but still he managed to reign in his murderous impulses. She was really turned on.

“Buffy, don’t you think it’s a bit impractical for us all to stay here. Glory certainly wouldn’t see a reason to target any of us.” Spike interrupted again, and Buffy had a horrified moment of clarity. She was no longer feeling extreme irritation, she felt exasperated fondness. Oh, she had it so bad.

“Rupes, anyone with a brain would go after the Slayer’s family and friends. It’s no secret on the hell mouth that she’s fiercely loyal and protective. Nothing would stop Summers from going after you guys, which is why for the most part the lot of you walk about unmolested.”

“Unmolested! I seem to remember being kidnapped by a certain bleached Vampire and…”

“Please, not all of us fear the Slayer, just most. And you’re still around to annoy the populace. Quit being such a Nancy boy.”

“If you call me Rupes again…”

“I can’t stay here tonight…”

“B’s been too soft, let’s go outside and I’ll teach you fear.”

“Baby I am the Slayer of Slayer’s. Fear is my game little girl.”

God, why did she even try to keep the peace? Her mom was out of town. She ought to just pour baby oil in the floor and let them have at it. Buffy let the arguing flow over her head and softly banged her head into the top of the table. The sound of confrontation escalated into outraged shrieks and shouting. Buffy rolled her forehead on the cold comforting surface and thought calming thoughts.

When she stood up she had to let out a piercing whistle to get everyone’s attention. “You’re all staying here. I can’t protect you all if you’re all spread out.”

“Buffy you really can’t expect us to re-arrange our lives based on some delusional paranoia from a bleached killer.”

“I wouldn’t dream of making you re-arrange your life in any way to make it easier for me. I mean I only gave up any chance of any normalness to risk my life every night for a bunch of ungrateful…”

“Oh all right, we’ll stay.” Anya Interrupted. “So long as you realize that there will be no cessation of orgasms despite staying in your sister’s virginal room.”

It was going to be a long night. Please, Please let this Glory woman fall off a cliff. “Spike and I are going out to kill things.” She announced without fanfare and breezed out of the room without looking back. She had no doubt that he would be at her heels.

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22

Spike watched Buffy’s hips swing seductively while she strutted ahead of him. She was still fuming mad about all the drama at her place. It probably wasn’t all that wise to be out here trolling for trouble. He hated to admit it, but he wasn’t on top of his game. He may not be able to feel a thing right now, but any tussle he got into tonight he was going to pay for eventually, in heaps of pain. Her golden locks bounced around her waist, just brushing her hips. Did she really want to kill things? Or was this just an elaborate excuse to get him alone?

After a second of contemplation he decided it didn’t matter. He had to have his hands on those hips. He sped up enough to snag her waist and smiled wickedly when she gave out a little peep of surprise. He leaned into her and breathed in her scent. Who needed sunshine? He had Buffy. His hands tightened convulsively on her waist and he shuddered violently. This was all temporary, when this Glory person was defeated; his girl would be lost to him. He buried his head in the crook of her neck and pulled her body flush with his. She would never tolerate a Vampire around her; allow him to touch her, if it wasn’t for this bond. But he found it harder and harder to convince himself that he only craved her because she was his mate. Even he wasn’t blind enough to think that he would want her any less when he was free of her.

He found himself hoping, deep in his heart of hearts, where his deepest desire’s and a love of poetry lurked, that they wouldn’t find a way to break his hold on her. That this bond would be permanent the way it was meant to be. At first it had seemed unnatural to him, now not being at her side seemed unthinkable. So he had to bag it, and play white hat. He let his hands roam down to her thighs nibbling at her neck. He was domesticated and couldn’t find a bone in his body that cared.

His Slayer leaned into him, tilting her head to give him access to her sweetness, covering his hands with her small delicate ones. She rotated her hips into his groin and Spike groaned out loud. The vampire lifted his head and inventoried their surrounding’s. The park, wisely abandoned at this time of night. He began to walk her that direction, amply distracted by her wiggling bum and intoxicating scent. Unfortunately she wasn’t as distracted as he had hoped. “Spike, we can’t, we need to patrol.” She whispered, twisting in his grasp to free herself.

“Buffy,” he whispered back, a note of pleading in his tone, as he tried to get his hands back on her. Christ she was fast. “I need you luv, need you so much.” He continued to pursue her, herding her in the direction he needed her to go. Swings? Too flimsy. Teeter-Totter? Too unstable. Merry Go Round? Might be fun but he wanted her on his lap, straddling his thighs, her head thrown back. His eye landed on the giant slide in the corner of the park. There was a dome over the landing to shield his girl from any eyes but his and plenty of back support. He lunged for her and she squealed like a little girl and sprinted off, in the direction of the park. Baby wanted to play.

She leapt onto the merry go round and Spike was momentarily distracted by naughty fantasies before springing up after her. The momentum of his leap started the thing spinning and after a second, Spike swung himself off to run in a quick circle, as fast as his Vampire strength could push him. Buffy grabbed onto two bars to keep from flying off the edge and Spike used her momentary pause in motion to capture her. Slightly off balance he crashed hard on his back in the middle of the spinning plate, his Slayer landing hard on top of him. Good thing he didn’t have any breath to lose. She let out a girlish laugh and than kissed him full on the mouth. All thoughts of how much he was going to hurt later fled his mind and the world slimmed down to just one slight girl lying across his body.

Another kiss, freely given. He could admit it, if only to himself, he was her slave. There was nothing on this planet he wouldn’t give her. His blood, his love, his dust. Whatever this goddess required was hers. He’d slaughter a thousand demon’s, travel to the ends of the earth by her side, give up immortality in a heartbeat if he could just go on kissing her like this. Fuck, she tasted so bloody good. And he needed more; he needed to drown in her completely. He needed to be surrounded by her body. Have her completely open to him. His hands, his mouth. Right now she was his. And no one was going to take her from him.

With a low possessive growl he twisted his body so that he had her underneath him. She parted her legs for him and he slipped one thigh between hers, rubbing up against her. She let out a soft little sound and bucked against him, arching her slender back. Bloody hell, she was perfection. “Spike, we can’t, anyone could see us.”

“So, let them watch.” He growled and burrowed his heads between her breasts, wrapping his fingers in hers and holding her hands down. She mewled like a kitten and squeezed his hands with bruising strength. His demon pleaded to be let out but he held it in check, and nipped her breast to pacify it.

“Spike, we’re in a park, there could be children.” She began to struggle in earnest and Spike tightened his grip on her to hold her to him. He leapt to his feet and swung her into his arms. Buffy squeaked out her surprise and threw her arms around his neck. He was stopped, awed for a moment by her complete trust, before he took off full speed across the park and ran right up the steep slide. He collapsed on his bum, his wiggling girl in his lap, and declared this part of the park safe from prying eyes.

Like a naughty fantasy playing out in real time his Slayer twisted her body so she could straddle his lap. He let out a low deep groan and thrust his pelvis up against her. He was like a randy schoolboy whenever she was within touching distance. She smiled in feminine pride. She delighted in her power over him and he was so far lost in her that he didn’t care that she knew he was her slave. He attacked the small delicate buttons on her shirt with single minded determination. He had to have her soft body against his. It was a little awkward, twisting and moaning. Buffy lifted up on her knees so he could slide her jeans over her hips and he returned the favor. Hot questing little hands all over him, soft wet kisses that turned him inside out.

The borrowed blood in his body hummed and the sound of his girl’s heartbeat thrummed through him like a pulse. Buffy lifted up and pushed him inside her body. Her name was torn from his lips and he found himself babbling about how good she felt. Telling her he loved her, needed her. She was panting his name, digging her nails deep into his skin, grinding her teeth into his shoulder. Gods, this was heaven. She bit him particularly hard and his demon escaped what little hold he had on it. His girl didn’t even blink, she didn’t even hesitate. She titled her sweet neck and offered herself to him.

She was perfect. He bit her gently and almost came immediately when her hot ripe blood flooded his mouth. He took small measured sips in time with his thrusts. His Slayer cried out with every movement, squirming with pleasure. She was so hot and tight around him, rocking with him, such sweet friction. Her blood made his head spin made him high on her power. She fluttered around him and then tightened with orgasm, spasm after spasm squeezing him tightly. He gripped her tighter and sucked harder on her neck. She shook uncontrollably and sobbed his name over and over. When he could stand the pleasure no more he withdrew his fangs and let the demon go. He kissed her hard, staining her mouth with blood. She kissed him back without reserve. Sod it all, he loved this girl. He finally let himself go, thrusting into her warmth with abandon, chanting her name like a bloody prayer. Spike came deep inside her, spurt after spurt of pleasure washing over him. He was never letting her go.

“Oh God, we’ve contaminated the park. That is soooo sick. Kid’s can no longer play here because of lustful vampires.” He chuckled softly, amused by her horror. It was a little late for her conscience to make an appearance.

“Relax Slayer, We aren’t the only one’s to rendezvous here, I can smell your boy and his bird all over the place, recent too.”

“Eeewwww!” She shrieked a look of utter disgust on her pretty features. She tried to leap to her feet, but got tangled in the jeans still around her ankles and crashed back into him. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, carefully cleaning away all traces of blood from her mouth before that freaked her out too. Then he bent his head and carefully sealed her bite mark with his own blood so it would heal quickly. She shuddered against him when he licked his mating mark and he was almost tempted to keep on with the necking. But the wind had picked up and it smelled like rain. Not that his Slayer wouldn’t look delicious soaked to the skin, wet hair clinging to the both of them, lips cold as his against his skin. But she didn’t need to be sick on top of everything else.

“Sweetheart, it’s going to rain.” She made a non-committal sound and pulled his earlobe into her hot mouth, sucking and biting. He groaned out load, whimpering like a child. She was irresistible. “Let’s take this inside, hmmm?”

She pulled back from him a bit, shifting to get comfortable and laid her head on his shoulder. His grip tightened reflexively and he rubbed slow soothing circles on her back. “I really don’t have time for this.” She murmured without making any effort to move away from him. Her hand went to the bite mark on her neck, frowning slightly. He tensed, waiting for her anger and disgust. She would get mad at him for taking advantage of her when she was lost in passion. But he felt no flare of anger through the bond. “Big hickey.” She groused and Spike bit his tongue to keep from apologizing. Already done that one too many times tonight. And he wasn’t about to apologize for amazing, mind blowing, blood letting, sex. If he could get her in the mood, he’d do it again.

“Do you think they’re all right?” She asked softly and Spike winced at the worry in her tone. He wished he could do more to alleviate her fears, but she was right to fear. Glory was very powerful, and bent on destroying that sweet little girl, and anyone who got in his way. Spike wondered absently how much of his affection for his Slayer’s family was his own and how much was channeled from their bond. He’d liked them before he’d ever been linked with Buffy, had in fact spared their lives when he had full access to the Summers home.

“I’ll know if Peaches dusts.” She clutched him closer and Spike cursed himself. He never said the right thing. Best if he stayed silent, because there really wasn’t too much he could say. “We’ll find her, we’ll kill her, and it’ll be over.”

“Until the next apocalypse.”

“You’ll keep them safe pet, safe as houses. You always do.”

And then they were plunged head first into ice water. Or at least that’s what it felt like. In over a hundred years of being a Vampire he’d never been summoned, but he knew without being told what this was. He was on his feet, pulling on Buffy’s clothes roughly and dressing himself before she could even form a question. He didn’t let her waste her breath, she would need it to run.

“It’s Angelus, He’s summoned the line.”

“The line?” She gasped out even as he shoved her ungracefully down the slide. He joined her on the ground, grabbing her hand and hauling her behind him like a sack of potatoes.

“Angelus is the elder of Aurelius, what with the master dust and Darla too, he’s summoned us all.” It was as though there was a wire drawn tight between Spike and his Sire. It felt as though it was pulling the top of his head clear off because he was going in the wrong direction. He couldn’t even spare the thought to be curious about why Buffy felt it too, she was his mate, did that make her Aurelius by marriage?

“All of you, how many is that?” How she managed to have breath enough to speak while running side by side with him at a neck break pace he didn’t know.

“Dunno, we’re pretty choosy about who we let in. I’ve never sired anyone.” He thought for a moment. “There’s Dru, I don’t think she has any living Childe, and two more that Angelus Sired. I think that’s all.”

Spike skidded to a stop in front of Buffy’s house and darted for his car. “I’ll get the others!” Buffy called and he growled angrily, snatching at her arm to haul her into the car. She evaded his attempt however and ran for the door. “I can’t leave them unprotected.”

It was a tight fit but Spike managed to shove everyone into Buffy’s mother’s Blazer and get all the door’s shut. All of them were yammering and squealing and demanding answers. Spike was having a tough time controlling his demon and finally let it come to the fore as he backed out and peeled down the road. This started the other Slayer, the seductress, to screeching. Bloody hell, he was going to rip her sodding head off. Buffy sensed his frustration, or was venting her own, it didn’t really matter which, and started shouting for order. It was a very long time before she found any.

“I still don’t understand why we are listening to anything this bloodsucker has to say. This could be a trap. He could be driving us all to our doom. I can’t believe…” The whelp never knew when to shut it.

“Buffy, please be a little more clear about what happened. How could you possibly know that Angel is in trouble?”

“I don’t know, he did some sort of summony thingy. And now I can tell exactly where he is, and that he’s pretty wounded.”

“So we’re running off at the summons of a Vampire! Will you never learn! They’re Vampire’s Buffy. Evil, bloodsucking fiends….”

“Enough, Use your head you soddin idiot!” Spike jerked the wheel hard to get his attention. He got knocked upside the head by his Slayer for his trouble. “Angelus has never summoned the line, and he’s been eldest for several years now. Two reasons I can figure he would now. A, he’s given his soul the slip again and wants us there to celebrate with him. Or B, he’s been attacked and needs help. Either way, Buffy’s family is in trouble.” Dawning comprehension! It was like the surf crashing over the shore, the boy’s expression. Why did his girl have such dolt’s for friends? Couldn’t fault the boy’s loyalty though.

Thirty minutes later found them all piling out of the blazer onto the side of the highway. Peaches car was beyond repair, smashed in on the side. The man himself lay in the cheerleaders lap, both knee’s smashed in. Joyce, who had previously been kneeling next to the Vampire, trying to figure out how to help, launched herself into Buffy’s arms. “She’s gone Buffy, They’ve taken her.” She sobbed.

“We’ll get her back mom.” Buffy met his eyes over her mothers shoulder, and Spike knew she wasn’t near as confident as she sounded. “Which way did they go?”

“They were headed back to Sunnydale.” Spike was trying to sort how to get his Sire home and Buffy’s crew home, and find the bit when Drusilla and two young fledglings arrived in a beat up conversion Van. To say that Buffy’s little lackey’s were unhappy about traveling with a van full of bloodsuckers would be a little bit of an understatement. But they wouldn’t all fit in the Blazer and judging by Dru’s indignant shrieks he was the one who stood the most chance of being dusted. She got even hotter under the collar when he had to backhand one of her boys for making a comment about all the fresh blood, and his Slayer wasn’t too happy either when he ended up in one vehicle with Dru and she was in another with her mum. She was tossing her hair around in a huff when her Watcher spied the fresh bite mark, needless to say that didn’t go over well. He might just stake himself and save himself the torture.
 

I'm missed some of my regular reviewers the last couple of chapters. I havn't had as much time to write due to family responsibilities, and I know my chapters have become a little slow. But I really miss hearing what you have to say, so if you have time to review I'd really appreciate it.

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Rain

Buffy was a jumbled mess of nerves. And Spike should have been here beside her with his soothing feelings and reassuring presence. He should have been here with her; instead he was in the other vehicle catering to his girlfriend. His Vampire lover whom he had adored for over a hundred years. Her sister was missing and she needed him damn it! The worst part of it was that she knew deep down that she was being irrational and couldn’t help herself. Who else was going to sit in a van full of Vampire’s? It was either her or him, and the fact was she needed to sit with her mom, who was wringing her hands and trying valiantly to keep her composure.

“Maybe we should call the police.” Her mother said after several miles of heavy silence. No one answered her. Her mom knew why they couldn’t call the police. Hello Officer, my daughter has been kidnapped by a hell god; she’s about 5”4 with super powers and a frizzy perm. Oh, how do we know who kidnapped her? Because her Vampire guardian was with her and got his ass kicked. We think she might be a mystical key who is really thousands of years old and this Glory God person wants to cut her open and use her blood in an ancient ritual. How do you think we should go about finding her? A white jacket you say? You think she might be hiding in this nice padded room? Blea! But her mom needed to say something and she could understand that.

Buffy chewed on her lip. Spike should be able to track her, if he could find her scent. Just like Angel found him. Couldn’t he? But they had to know where to begin looking. “Giles, do we know anything about where this ritual might take place?”

“I’d like to find her before it comes even close to that Buffy.” Her Watcher replied with his usual calm in the face of adversity. She found herself grateful for his steadfast presence, even if she did miss Spike terribly.

“I’d like to know where to start looking.”

“The nicer hotels. I mean really, she’s got to have somewhere to sleep and plan. She’s been on this planet for a matter of weeks and already she has decked herself in Versace. The girl has taste. Those shoes must have cost a fortune.”

“I doubt she paid for them Cordelia! What do her shoes have to do with my missing sister?” Buffy really was not in the mood for Cordelia’s nattering. She didn’t know why Angel thought she had changed so much, she still seemed like the same shallow stuck up girl she’d been in high school. With shorter hair.

“It’s very simple Buffy.” The beauty queen spoke very slowly as if to make sure that Buffy understood her. “This Glory woman needs a new hairdresser, but that doesn’t change the fact that she has undeniably refined tastes. She won’t be huddling in the sewers and she won’t be slumming in some dump. She’s new in town so I doubt she has an open invitation to anywhere decent. So naturally you should check out the higher class hotels. Nothing below four stars, obviously.”

Buffy really hated Cordelia’s overbearing attitude. She thought she knew everything, except math or science…she had never pretended to be book smart. But Cordelia did know boys. She had always insisted that there was an actual set of rules that must be followed in order to have a successful romance. Her rules must not have done her must good though, because she had yet to have a successful romance that resulted in marriage.

She really ought to be focusing on how to get her sister back. Every time she thought about Dawn she shuddered. She kept picturing her body, bruised and broken. Her hair framing her pale, bloodless face. How much pain was involved with this Glory’s ritual? She couldn’t bring herself to ask…especially in front of her mother. She felt soothing feeling’s coming from her bond with Spike and was absolutely disgusted with herself for being pleased. But even when he was with Drusilla, he was focused on her.

She was an emotional roller coaster right now and she wished she had Spike here to focus her. Cordelia was rambling on about shoe quality. God! Didn’t she even care that Angel was beyond hurting, Dawn was missing, and the end of the world was coming? But then again, Buffy couldn’t miss the tightness around the ex-cheerleaders eyes, her pale features. Buffy could almost believe that she was just chattering to fill the silence so she didn’t have to focus on her own worries. She closed her eyes for a moment and thought of her own distraction. Spikes pale hands gliding over her skin, the way his eyes burned into hers, his ragged “I love you, love you so much Buffy” whispered in her ear as he came inside her. But everyone knew that I Love You didn’t count when it was said during sex.

“How long till we get home Giles?” Buffy interrupted Cordelia’s incessant chatter and couldn’t find it within herself to feel even slightly guilty about her rudeness.

“We’ll be there soon Buffy.” He paused, and for a moment the air was pregnant with heavy silence while he visibly struggled with how to word his next sentence. “I know this a rough time for you Buffy, and I know this is a bit of a delicate situation…with uhm your uh relationship with Spike. But the truth is we should ah, discuss a bit, before we arrive, what we plan to do with the Van full of vampire’s that will be on our doorstop when we get to Revello Drive.”

“Angel and Spike aren’t going to let us stake Drusilla, and she isn’t going to let us stake her minions.” Buffy sighed. “I hate letting Vamps go but really, my sister and the end of the world is a little more important right now.”

“Buffy, we can’t simply let them go. They will hunt someone right here in Sunnydale. You have a calling, you have a duty. I know that right now is a hard time for you personally but you are still the Slayer. You must…”

“Stop it!” Buffy’s voice came out shrill and undignified. Tears pooled in her eyes unbidden. How could he be so cold? He knew Dawn. How could he go on about her duty? Fuck her duty! “Stop it right now!” Buffy couldn’t control the tempo of her breathing, she was panting heavily, and her nails were biting into her skin because her hands were curled into tight little balls of fury.

“The world is in jeopardy! This Glory has my sister and is going to torture and kill her. I’m mated to a Sadistic killer who cares more about my feelings than you do! How sick and wrong is that!” She let out a strangled sob and swallowed a big gasp of air, even as more words tumbled recklessly from her mouth. “A Vampire knows me better than my Watcher. How dare you lecture me about my duty! I know my duty! I’ve died for my duty. Just last week I was prepared to die again! How dare you!”

“Buffy dear, just calm down.” Her mothers soothing voice and concerned features did nothing to calm her. Everything had been piling up on her for so long and suddenly she couldn’t control her emotions, or her mouth, or her tears. She hated that she had wet streaks on her cheeks. She hated to cry.

“I will not calm down!” Her voice was high pitched and ragged and Buffy couldn’t believe that it was hers. “I’ve done everything that’s been asked of me, including his sick little birthday surprise! I mention perhaps choosing my battles and setting priority’s at save the world first and kill a couple Vamps, who helped us by the way, and suddenly I’m inadequate as a Slayer!”

Giles put the Blazer into park outside her home and turned to face her. “Now Buffy, that’s enough of this childishness…I was just saying that…”

Her door was yanked open and she was hauled against a solid male chest. A wall of soothing masculinity that smelled like Spike. “What the bloody hell are you doing to my girl?” He snarled at the car full of people. Buffy felt shame building inside her even as she let out great gasping sobs against her mate, wetting his shirt. And she was ashamed of how she had acted. Just because she was stressed did not give her the right to snap and scream at people she loved. They looked to her for leadership and she was falling apart under the pressure. She needed to get it together. Instead she twisted her hands in Spike’s shirt and cried.

“Luv,” He whispered against her ear, a soft soothing sound that rumbled through her senses. “I need you to go inside on your own steam sweets. I’ve got to clear these Vamps out of here and carry Peaches in.” His voice turned harsh and he turned the bulk of his formidable attention to her friends. “You lot go in with her, and stay out of trouble. I find out you made her cry again I’ll rip out your soddin Spine’s and dance on your bloody corpses.” For a moment he nuzzled her hair before whispering so softly that she could barely hear him. “We’ll get her back Buffy, I promise.”

She was released and hastily dried her face with her hands before turning to herd the people into the house. She couldn’t fall apart now. She felt wrung out and shaky, but her emotions had evened out somewhat. She supposed the experts knew what they were talking about when they said that crying was good for the soul. As well as someone to lean on. She gave Spike a wobbly smile as she followed her shocked friends and family into the house.

She reclined by the window and watched as Spike waved his arms and paced a bit, talking to the other Vampires. Obviously giving them instructions. The two newer Vampires seemed clearly frightened, and Drusilla looked very very angry. Spike swept out a foot, sending the larger Vampire sprawling on the concrete driveway. He then hauled him up to his knees by his flannel shirt so he could hiss in his face. Drusilla yanked the Vamp out of his grasp and let him tumble to the ground uncaringly, stepping up close to Spike to get in his face. Buffy looked away from the scene and met the eyes of her Watcher. The room was deathly silent and no one else met her eyes. “We wait for Spike, we care for Angel, and then we plan. We’re taking my sister back. We’re killing Glory. And nothing takes precedence over that. Everyone got it?”

There were solemn nods around the room, and even Faith had nothing to say about it. Her mother gave Buffy a long sad look before excusing herself to fix refreshments. Moments later she got to her feet and opened the door for Spike, who had Angel easily slung across his forearms. He seemed to have passed out from the pain. She had Spike take Angel upstairs and put him in her bed. He frowned but didn’t protest. He fidgeted nervously for a moment before rocking back on his heels and taking up a cocky stance. “Those knees must hurt something awful.”

“Yeah, you think I should give him my blood?” She looked down at Angel, concerned and worried. She couldn’t even imagine the pain he must be in. Poor Angel. He’d tried so hard to defend Dawn. She knew how tender his hear was, he must be all torn up inside about not being able to save her.

“HELL NO!” She turned and fought valiantly to keep her lips strait at the site of his furious features. “I’ve got some painkillers coming.” He said in a forcefully strained voice. He was trying so hard not to be mad at her.

“You sent Dru and her goons to get someone!” Buffy was suddenly having trouble controlling her own temper. God! She had just told everyone that they had priorities and Spike, her lover and mate, had sent his girlfriend on a killing spree.

“Relax Slayer,” Spike whipped out his pocket knife and began to cut Angel’s pants off above the knee. He moaned and moved and Spike braced one hand on his thigh to keep him still. “I made sure that they knew they weren’t to kill anyone. Dru was right pissed about minding the Slayer but I’m confident she’ll do as she’s told. I told her I would dust her boys if I found out she’d harmed a hair on anyone’s head.”

She reached out and held Angel’s limp hand as Spike efficiently peeled the blood soaked strips of material off of the elder Vampire. “Ruining my reputation. Slayer’s lapdog I am, just like the great pouf. I’ll never live this down.” He muttered, assessing the damage with the cool practiced air of a physician. There was a knock at the window and Spike waved her over to it. She slid the window open to find a very frightened spacey eyed woman being held by her arms by the larger Vampire. She took the frightened woman by the hand and helped her through the window without issuing an invitation. “Run along infant.” Spike snapped at the Vampire. “And if I find out you haven’t been taking proper care of Dru you’ll be praying for dust.”

“Had him bring her up here so you’re groupies wouldn’t be giving you the evil eye.” Spike said simply, eyeing the girl critically. “Skinny thing isn’t she. Idiot has no eye for quality. Angelus wouldn’t have given spoils like her a second glance in the day.” He turned his knife on his own forearms, dripping blood over Angel’s knees. Buffy turned away and focused on the woman whose hand she still held. She was little more than a girl, maybe twenty years old. Her eyes were wide and frightened and her gaze darted towards the door.

“I’m not really into Sado-Machism. Rick didn’t say anything about that when he said he had a job for me.” She said edging towards the door. Buffy stood helplessly, she wanted to help Angel but she was not going to victimize anyone. She was the Slayer and it was her job to protect people. Even drug addict prostitutes. She twitched violently and stopped moving towards the door, her eyes wide as they could go. Spike pulled a fourth hundred dollar bill from Angel’s wallet and laid it on top of the other three on the bedside table.

She pushed her long lanky hair back from her face as if trying to get a better view and took a hesitant step in the direction of the money. “I’m not going to let you guys hurt me.” She said rather bravely, but she never met Spike’s eyes. Her gaze was only on the crisp bills only six feet from her. She twitched unnaturally and shifted from one foot to the other in a haunting swaying dance.

“We ain’t gonna hurt you pet. And we ain’t gonna kill you. We just need a little blood, strait from the tap, and you can go. And take that money right there with you.”

“You want my blood?” Buffy turned from the horrified look on the girls face and left the room. She was a horrible lousy excuse for a Slayer. She walked down the hall to the bathroom, locked the door, and sat down on the stool and buried her head in her hands, unable to even cry. She wasn’t in there long before Spike picked the lock and knelt down in front of her.

“It’s over sweets. We didn’t hurt her, and I got her downstairs safe.” She couldn’t bring herself to touch him. She wanted to through herself in his arms and drown in his kisses. Instead she wrapped her arms around herself and stood stiffly.

“I’ve got to check on Angel. Is he awake?”

“Yeah pet, he is.” Spike seemed slightly alarmed with her distance. “We didn’t hurt her.” He repeated.

But this was something he couldn’t understand. He had no soul, he had no guilt. And he would never understand what walking out of that room had cost her. She had just been rather forcefully reminded of what he was. And what she was. She made sure not to brush up against him when she edged around him and walked back to her bedroom.

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Angel’s face was no longer white with pain, his features relaxed. There was something in his eyes that reminded her of Angelus. A carefree lightness that couldn’t be associated with Angel. For a second her stomach clenched but she washed down her fear and walked into the confines of her bedroom. He met her eyes with a small smile, slightly skewed, as if he didn’t have complete control of his muscles. “I’m sorry,” He said softly, dropping her eyes and his smile. “I was weak.”

They stood in silence and the moment stretched into awkwardness. As were so many of the few moments between them now. There really was nothing to say. Every time she saw him they were farther apart, living in different worlds, different universes. How could LA be so far away? “No one begrudges you painkillers.” She finally said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed. Once she might have touched him, his hand or his face. But her hands stayed in her lap, folded pristinely. “How are you feeling?”

“Disoriented.” He said weakly. She didn’t like seeing him weak like this. It reminded her of another place, another time. Another time she had been willing to sacrifice a human for him. “Don’t be angry with Spike, he was very kind to that girl.”

She wondered what the admission had cost him. She felt Spike enter the room. Silent as the wolf. Drifting behind her, out of her line of vision, invisible in the mirror. He knew she knew he was there, but his soundless stealthy steps were second nature. The innate tendency of an accomplished predator. She shuddered and he kept his distance. She wasn’t angry, just sad. Very sad. She steeled her expression and her heart. There were other things to worry about right now. Romance was so not on the list of priority’s. Wait for Spike, check. Care for Angel, check. Time to get her sister back and take Glory down. Hard.

“You need your rest, Sleep.” She said simply and climbed to her feet. Spike followed her into the hall and closed the door quietly behind him. “Where are Dru and the other Vamps headed?” She asked.

“I told them to head out of Sunnydale and not to hunt here.” Buffy nodded mutely and went downstairs. He stood at the top of the stairs for a long moment before he finally followed her.

The war council was grim and fast. That was where they were now. War. Quickly everyone conferred and it was decided unanimously that Spike hunting by scent was the best hope of finding Dawn. And the sooner he got out on the streets the better. If she wasn’t bleeding her scent would fade fast. They decided to head to the wealthier side of town and Cordelia was already on the phone, calling hotel’s, searching for her “aunt”. Spike was vibrating with energy. When she asked he said he was coming off the drugs but her blood made his body sing.

It was just the two of them in the dark streets. The scenery was unfamiliar. Buffy didn’t visit this side of town often in daylight, and very rarely patrolled here. After dispatching three Vampires within the hour she was beginning to think that she should spend some quality time here. The problem was that the police tended to assemble here and rarely left the safer confines of the west side for the rest of Sunnydale.

Spike was rarely silent, so the hush between them was particularly conspicuous. She subconsciously found herself closing the physical distance between them. Her body brushed up against him and she didn’t move away. He couldn’t help the way he was. And it was unreasonable to be so hurt. He was just helping Angel, and he had followed her unspoken rules all the way. How could some of the same things that drew her to him, also push her away. Deadly, Silent, Cunning, Intelligent. Maybe she should consider dating a Marine or something to scratch her bad boy itch without coming down in hives.

They trotted quickly down one street and up the next. Spike was completely focused, silent, turning his head this way and that, in game face. Her mind was really becoming quite twisted. She couldn’t help a squashed giggle every time someone took a double take and found themselves staring at an innocently scowling Spike, game face gone. At least it was funny until the boys and blue took a special interest in them and crossed the street stopping them. “Awful late for you two to be out wondering the streets.” Barney wannabe drawled.

Spike rocked back on his heels and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Not against the law.” Buffy stiffened, antagonize the police, great game plan Spike. She gave him a very dirty look before giving her very best blond ditz smile.

“We’re just out for a walk.” Buffy said sweetly, trying out the twisty sluty move that Faith was using earlier. Spike let out a little growl and moved closer, pressing himself flush up against her back. He was just so cute when he was jealous.

“Where are you headed?” Asked the other policeman; aiming a slightly overly polite smile in her direction. “Pretty little thing like you shouldn’t be out here this late at night.”

Spike made no sound but his hands flexed twice. “Oh I’m not worried,” She said sweetly, playing the dumb cheerleader to perfection, if she did say so herself. “I’ve got William to protect me.” She smiled up at him and had to choke down giggles at the furious expression on his face. Poor Spike, he was all tensed up with violence and couldn’t maim the police because she would get all mad. Suddenly Spike went motionless and squeezed her waist gently.

“I’m supposed to get my girl home by Eleven so if you blokes can excuse us.” He steered her away without giving her so much as a change to say anything. She turned and waved at their enthusiastic goodbye’s just to rattle Spike. He just had this effect on her, any other time she would have been embarrassed to flirt with a police man, but Spike always made things so fun. “I caught a whiff of her.” He whispered in her ear, walking casually until they turned the corner.

“Dawn? Glory?” She questioned, suddenly dead serious. Excuse the pun.

“Both, they were both here, just recently.”

Spike led her to a small back door of an expensive looking hotel. They looked at each other and on a whim Buffy leaned in and gave him a small kiss, just barely a press of lips. She meant for that to be all, just a reassurance after wigging out earlier but Spike pulled her back in for an encore that left her breathless and shaky. “What’s the game plan?”

She frowned in thought. “Recon, we’ll check it out, see what were up against, and then decide. If we can get her out we will, I don’t want her in there any longer than she has to be.” He nodded and pushed the door open, she darted in before him and she felt irritation spark through the bond. She smiled at his protectiveness and walked down the small corridor like she owned it. It opened into a busy noisy kitchen. No one paid them any mind as they walked directly through, dodging cooks and assistants. Spike led her to a narrow staircase at the back of the kitchen; if he hadn’t brought it to her attention she might not have even noticed it. He jogged up without hesitation. She glanced behind her, no one noticed them, Sunndale citizen’s really needed to become more aware of their surroundings.

Spike strutted without hesitation to the elevator and pushed the button. He leaned in close to her and whispered in her ear. “There’s at least five of them, not including little sis and fuzzy.” There was a very proper looking couple in the elevator and Buffy suddenly became very conscious of her faded blue jeans and spangle top. She stepped inside with a shy smile and Spike pushed the button for the next floor. They sat in silence as the elevator moved up. The stuffy couple eyed them disapprovingly and even though she wasn’t looking at him she just knew that Spike was scowling at them. She felt herself blush when Spike pulled her back against him and buried his head in her neck. She almost pulled away in embarrassment before she felt him shift into game face just as the doors slid open. “Not it.” He whispered and she reached out to push the shiny number three. The woman sniffed and looked away. Thankfully the conservative woman and her husband departed on the third floor.

They rode all the way to the sixth floor before Spike nodded and they stepped cautiously out into the wide hall. She wouldn’t be able to jump out of a window here. Maybe Spike could leap out with Dawn and she’d find her own way. They crept without a sound along the soft padded carpet. Spike stopped at a door and they looked at each other, what now? Spike reached out and stroked her hair; it took her a second to realize that he had pulled her barrette out. Thief. Maybe he was a pick pocket before he was a Vampire.

He crushed her barrette and manipulated the wire before squatting down and inserting the end into the lock. Buffy casually leaned up against the wall and kept watch. It seemed like forever before she heard a small pop. Spike grinned at her and game faced, leaning into the door to listen. “Seven people breathing, someone whispering in the back room. Dawnie’s crying, very softly, maybe into her pillow.”

“There’s two rooms?”

“Yeah, sounds are muffled at the back, must be a suite.” He pushed the door open quickly and he was in the room so fast she only saw a blur where he used to be. He dispatched the two short little men in seconds, breaking their necks. It’s them or Dawn, it’s them or Dawn, it’s them or Dawn. She kept up her inner monologue and fought back tears as he lay the second man down on the carpet noiselessly. She shut the door silently and they moved quickly to the back room, Spike touched the knob and than pulled out the twisted wire from before. Buffy looked around wondering what the best exit route might be. There was a light click and Spike met her eyes before pushing the door open.

Dawn lay in one of the large beds that filled most of the room. She hesitated a second, checking to see that she was ok before springing into action. Spike had already taken out two more of the quirky creepy guard things. Buffy moved to attack a small well dressed demon in a suit but he moved like greased lightning and her fists connected with air. At the corner of her consciousness she was aware of Spike exchanging blows with Glory. But she was concentrating on her own fight. This little guy was unbelievably fast and he hit really hard.

She threw a glance at her sister and shouted for her to run. It cost her, as in a big right hook to her cheek, but Dawnie, apparently unharmed, leapt out of bed and sprang for the door. Suddenly a huge weight crashed into her, knocking her against the wall. Her head rebounded painfully against the harsh plaster and she stared for a moment at the pretty stars dancing in front of her eyes. Spike pushed off of her, where he had apparently been flung, and leapt back at Glory. But it was too late to distract her. She raised one dainty hand and sent the door swinging shut with a sharp sound of finality.

Ooookaay. Plan B. She grabbed Spike, hurling him towards her sister and leaping at Glory herself. She picked up a heavy chair in mid leap and smashed it over, what did Spike call her, Fuzzy’s head. “Window!” She shouted loudly and swung one of the broken pieces of the chair at Glory’s back. It connected with a very satisfying thunk. Of course it didn’t even faze her. The God swung at Buffy and she thanked her lucky stars that she managed to maneuver out of her way because that looked like it might have hurt. At the same time she jabbed with the splintered end of her chair leg and drew blood. From the corner of her eye she watched as Spike ripped out the little demon’s throat. He scooped up her sister and hurled through the air towards the window even as the demon fell to the ground. His shoulder hit the glass and he rebounded with a crash!

Glory managed to grab her while she was distracted and spun her into the wall with enough force to make her head spin. The God twisted Buffy’s arm behind her back painfully and forced her head against the wall with one hand. Buffy struggled and attempted to free herself but Glory was much stronger than she looked. “Did you really think I wouldn’t take precautions! That I’d leave the window available for an escape route?” She snarled in Buffy’s ear. “Did you puny mortal’s really think you could defeat me?”

Spike was shaking himself off and hurled towards her Vampire fast. He grabbed Glory with one hand and her with the other. And then things got crazy. Later the whole event would be a bit of a blur. The second the three of them touched an electric shock went through her body and she was struck immobile. From Spike’s hands, and her own she noticed belatedly, poured bright green runes, frighteningly familiar. She felt dizzy and sick as a circle of terrifying green light enclosed the three of them. She felt it drawing closer and closer and heard Glory s frantic shrieks, and then there was nothing. Just blessed darkness.
 

Hey, Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed. This chapter is a little lacking in excitement but was necessary to move the plot along. I expect another five chapters will wrap this story up. I haven’t decided on a happy ending, or a sad ending with a sequel. You’ll be the first I tell.


The world was rocking violently. No that was just her. Someone was shaking her. They were yelling at her to get up. Her mind was fuzzy and her thoughts scattered. She couldn’t seem to piece together reality. It was Dawnie; Dawnie was yelling at her and shaking her. Dawnie was Ok. Had she been in danger? Oh yeah, Glory. Buffy’s eyes popped open. Her sister was crouched over her, hands on both her shoulders, sobbing loudly. “Buffy, Buffy, Oh My Gawd!!! Are you alright! You and Spike wouldn’t wake up.”

Oh, Spike. Buffy felt a crushing weight of loneliness and loss. Oh please no. She heaved herself up on her elbow so that she could see Spike. He was lying next to her on his back. Limbs spread akimbo in a rare display of gracelessness. If she wasn’t seeing him she wouldn’t have even known he was there. He was completely gone from her head. There was no trace of him at all, as if he’d never been there at all. Buffy wanted to run naked through the night screaming. Buffy wanted to curl up into a tiny ball and sob hopelessly. Buffy wanted to latch onto him and beg him to make it right with them again. Because her whole world suddenly seemed wonky. She’d always walked alone; it just wasn’t until this moment that she realized just how lonely it was.

“What happened?” She asked, shocked at the cracked hoarse voice that came from her throat. “Where’s Glory?” She started to use her mins to wake up Spike but then with a wince had to call for him out loud. He twitched awake and his eyes latched onto her. She almost wept at the horrified frantic look in his eyes. He missed her too. Dawn was enthusiastically bubbling over with details about green light and Glory’s screams. He looked away first, climbing stiffly to his feet and offering her a hand. She took it gratefully, intensely aware of his cool strong fingers. His touch felt strange without the accompanying maelstrom of sensations in her head. Did her touch still do the same thing to him, or was she just another Slayer again?

She held back tears bravely and focused on her sister. She was sparkling with happiness that everyone was alright. She was completely unaware that Buffy’s world was collapsing in on itself and that things would never ever be alright again. “Alright pet, got the green light covered. Where’s the sodding drama queen?” Dawn started crying again and Spike released her hand to pull her sister into his arms. He held her sobbing form close to him for a few minutes before it occurred to Buffy that she ought be alarmed that the evil undead had her helpless sister cradled close to him. Buffy was a bad bad Slayer and an awful sister. She couldn’t even summon a token amount of fear.

“Shhh kitten, it’s alright. Calm down and tell Spike what happened.” Dawn began actively trying to calm down, taking big gulps of air and wiping at her eyes.

“I don’t know where she is. She was just gone. She disappeared in all the light.” Her sister wheezed out. “She flashed, kind of two dimensional like, in and out at least a dozen times and then she disappeared. All the light quit and you guys just fell.” She took another shuddering breath and swiped at the tears again. “I was so afraid she would come back and I couldn’t wake you guys up. I know you’re supposed to dust if you die but you were so cold and still. And I couldn’t wake you up.” She buried her head in Spike’s shoulder, but the crying seemed to be at an end. “And Buffy was barely breathing at all, and even when I shook her and shook her she just wouldn’t wake up.”

Buffy envied her sister the comfort of Spike’s embrace. Would she ever feel that comfort again? Highly unlikely. Spike met her gaze over her sister’s bowed head and they stared at each other for a long breathless moment before she broke eye contact. She walked over to the phone and picked it up. With the state of damage in the room it was almost a surprise when the dial tone rang in her ear. She dialed home and took stock looking around the room. Blood stains on the carpet, holes in the walls, feathers everywhere. But no bodies, not one. With all the blood maybe she ought to be thinking about how to get out all stealthy like, wouldn’t do to be seen.

Her mother answered on the second ring. A forced cheerfulness overlying the echo of tears in her voice. “It’s me mom. I’ve got Dawn, we’re coming home.” Her mother just began to cry. “We’re all OK mom, she’s just a little shook up. We’ll be home soon.”

Spike scooped up Dawn in his arms. She wasn’t hurt, she could have walked, but she didn’t protest the way that Buffy would have. Instead she looped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder in a gesture of absolute trust. She felt like she ought to protest but couldn’t raise the energy. She knew Spike wouldn’t hurt her sister. “It’s a long way up to take the window sweetheart.” Spike said as he Vamped by the door, head tilted listening. “There’s no one in the hall.”

She joined him, met his eyes again, silence between their minds, and pushed the door open resolutely. She followed Spike out, closing the door behind her and waltzing with him down the hallway like they owned it. They reached the elevator and Dawn reached out to press the button. “You should put her down, draw less attention to us.” He placed her on her feet and Buffy reached out, grabbing her hand and squeezing gently. Thankfully no one was in the elevator and no one paid them any mind when the left the same way they came in. Down the back stairs, through the kitchen.

The streets were dark and deserted and Buffy almost protested when Spike ducked into a phone booth and called a cab, but one look at her sister changed her mind. She was swaying on her feet, her features tired and drawn. Dawn wasn’t up to the walk home. “How did you know how to defeat her?” Buffy asked in a soft undertone.

“I didn’t, I was just trying to get her off you.” The cab was a tight fit, Dawn sandwiched between them. When they arrived home she tensed, terribly afraid that Spike wouldn’t even come in with her. But he made no move to leave, opening the door for her like he always did. Her mom hugged her several times before everyone else got a chance to hug her. She gave a very brief account of what happened. She didn’t know why she didn’t tell them that her bond with Spike had been severed. It wasn’t necessarily that she didn’t want them to know, more like she wasn’t ready to say it out loud. Giles looked extremely grave and started mumbling about books he needed to look in.

“I want to make sure she’s really gone Giles, not just zapped or something.”
“Of course, Buffy. I’ll look into it thoroughly. I have a feeling this event may also give us some insight into your bond with Spike…” He looked up at her and his eyes shifted from Watcher to concerned friend. “Buffy, are you alright. You look a little pale.”

“No I’m fine, really Giles. I’m just a little tired.” She glanced around for Spike and felt a moment of panic before she stomped on it ruthlessly. Just because he wasn’t in the room didn’t mean he had left.

She saw Giles to the door. He was dropping off her various friends at their homes, Wills at the dorm. Faith said she wanted to stay at a hotel but her mother insisted that she sleep here. Her mother started on dinner. It was already very late but no one had eaten with all the stress and her mother would never let anyone go to bed hungry. Buffy climbed the stairs carefully, trying to be silent. If he was listening for her he would know she was coming. She pushed open the door to her room but didn’t enter. Spike sat in the chair by the bed, his head in his hands, his despair almost a palatable presence in the room. Angel was sitting up across from him, his elbows on his thighs.

“I’ve lost her. She’s lost to me.” Said Spike brokenly, almost so low she couldn’t hear him. She thought Angel might know she was there but he made no indication.

“Come to LA Spike. Take sanctuary. Find your center again; figure out what you want to do now.”

“I don’t want to go to sodding LA Peaches.”

“You’re a wreck Spike and some random killing spree won’t help you. I’ve never seen you like this.”

“And you think LA will be my sanctuary?” He gave a bitter laugh. “There’s no such thing Peaches. We can’t all have shiny souls and redemption.”

Buffy backed out silently and crept back down the stairs.

Her mother made roast beef. When supper was ready she went back upstairs. She had about chewed her tongue off, with Cordelia and Faith for company. But they’d watched some stupid cheerleader movie that made Cordie happy. Spike was sitting by the window in his chair and Angel appeared to be asleep again. In her bed. She shivered. Her bond with Spike was apparently over and still the sight of her former lover in her bed did not send goosey shivers down her spine.

“Spike,” She whispered. “Should I wake Angel for this blood or wait?” She held up the glass filled with the heavy liquid and he turned to her.

“It’ll keep, he needs sleep more than anything else.” He said, turning. Her breath caught when he rolled smoothly to his feet and waltzed towards her, all cocky swagger and silky grace.
“Come downstairs, eat with us.” She said softly in reply. He looked for a moment as if he wouldn’t but instead he gestured for her to precede him and followed her down the stairs.

Dawn broke the silence of the dinner table, regaling the group with a detailed account of her capture and rescue. Enough of the details had been altered that it was a different story altogether. Spike was sprawled next to her, all casual coolness, occasionally adding to the conversation. “Oi bit, don’t forget when the Slayer smashed her with that chair. Bloody brilliant that.” Or “Take’s a bit more than a mere God to stop our Slayer, eh bite size?” As if nothing was wrong.

“Sleeping arrangements will be a bit rough.” Her mother said apologetically. Faith if you don’t mind taking the couch, Dawn can bunk with me and Cordelia can have her room.”

“The Summers couch is familiar territory Miss Summers.” Faith drawled, slumped down in her chair. She had apparently decided that flirting with Spike got her nowhere and it wasn’t worth sitting up if there wasn’t a male to impress.

“I was thinking that you and Spike could bunk upstairs in the attic. You’re grandmother’s bed is up there and it wouldn’t take Spike long to put it together.” She carefully didn’t look at him. He really could take his car and get anywhere he wanted before Dawn.

“How’s the light up there mum?” He asked, fishing out his cigarettes, pulling one out, placing it between fine lips, leaving it unlit. He didn’t smoke in the house when her mom was home. How come she didn’t merit the same respect?

“Oh there’s and eastern window, but it’s small. I thought you guys could cover it up.”

“Sounds lovely mum, a right getaway for me and the Duchess.” She gave him a small smile. He was so nice to her mom, her family.

“It’s very late, Dawnie, to bed with you. I’ll see to our guests and be up.” Buffy glanced at the clock. It was very late, or early depending on how you looked at it. Spike pushed away from the table and went out on the porch to smoke. Just a few hours ago she would have joined him, instead she went upstairs to shower. She made it quick, dressing in the flannel pajama’s her mother left on the toilet. When she came out of the bathroom she jumped, startled to find Spike lounging in the hallway. It didn’t seem right for him to be able to startle her.

He moved into her personal space without touching her. “Mmmm warm wet Slayer,” He growled at her, pitched low so listening ears wouldn’t hear. She smiled up at him, suddenly shy, and pointed at a door.

“Those are the attic steps.” She went to the linen closet, getting sheets. And blankets. The upstairs could be chilly sometimes. He went into the bathroom and shut the door. A moment later she heard the spray come on. She fought down the desire to enter the bathroom, wash his hard taut body down with suds. Kiss his neck, his lips. If he’d wanted to shower with her he’d have come in.

She went upstairs and took stock of their, what had Spike called it? “Getaway” There were boxes piled up around the room, old furniture draped with sheets. The light from the bare bulb was spotty with dust. The bed was all the way at the back of the attic, the frame in pieces. She frowned at the small window, trying to decide how best to cover it to keep Spike safe from sun. She draped a heavy blanket over the curtain hardware that was over the window and then began stacking heavy boxes up in front of it. No light would get in. What were they going to do?

Hello Readers. I know I’ve been ridiculously long in updating. I’ve had a personal tragedy and have been unable to write. I’ve got most of the next chapter mapped out already and expect to post again by Friday.

Buffy stepped back, admiring her handiwork. Two rows of boxes flattened the heavy blanket against the small window, effectively eradicating any hope of a stray beam of sunlight. Pleased and nervous Buffy turned and jumped a foot in the air, a silent gasp of surprise escaping her before she could squash it. Not 12 inches from her was Spike. How on Gods green earth did he sneak up on her! Her eyes flickered towards the door before she could stop them. Closed even. She hadn’t even heard a click. She hated it when he did the supernatural thing.

Her heart beat a steady tattoo in her chest that she knew he could hear. His blond locks were tousled and wet, curling over his forehead in a way that made her pulse react alarmingly. Bare chested in nothing but snug black jeans she had a spectacular view. Head slightly titled, graceful curve of his neck, cut muscles tracing a roadway down his rock hard chest and disappearing into his low slung denims. Even now, just looking at him left her breathless, weak and girly. It wasn’t something she felt often, perhaps not ever since becoming the Slayer. But she was the Slayer, and he was who he was. And what were they doing standing in the filtered light of the attic in her mothers house staring at each other like love struck fools?

He moved suddenly and she concentrated on a shaft of light from under the door as he snaked into her personal space. She didn’t know what to do with her hands, where to look. She wanted to touch him, so badly that her hands twitched and her breath came in ragged drags. But she had no excuses now. No clean cut mating bond to fog the moral issues. No way to twist and bend the truth to cast her in an acceptable light. Little more than a week ago he had killed for his dinner. More than once he had killed Slayers, because it was a challenge…fun for him. And now she had no hold on him. No guarantee that he wouldn’t slaughter them all tonight while they slept. Who knew what went on behind those changing eyes?

She made the mistake of looking up at him, trying to gauge his thoughts from his expression. But there was no need to read between the lines. Mating bond or no she knew that look, now, had seen it many times. Skin drawn tight over cheekbones, heavy lidded eyes gleaming with lust fastened on her like she was the center of his universe. The look that made her breath quicken and her panties grow damp. She was deeply ashamed of the rash of goose bumps that broke out over her skin as her flesh grew hot and her body shaky. What excuse did she have now for the way he could make her pant just by looking at her?

Forcing her gaze away from him she lowered her eyes to his pale chest. She frowned. Something wasn’t right. She gasped out loud, reaching out and running her hands down his unblemished chest. Not a mark, a bruise, a scrape even. He was completely healed. She took a deep breath, realizing suddenly that she felt better than she had in days. “Picked up on it have you? Sorry sad days when the Slayer’s so distracted.”

“I have a lot on my mind.” Buffy snapped, snatching her hands away, but he was lightning quick, and caught her hands, placing them back on his chest,

“Don’t” Was all he said before he lowered his head and kissed her. She wasn’t sure if he really moved as slowly as molasses or if she just felt like it took forever for him to reach her lips. And then his kiss was so gentle and thorough that she thought she might scream. She needed more from him. She was as hungry tonight as she had been the very first time. Buffy brought his lower lip between her teeth and bit down hard enough to make him groan. She slipped her hands over his shoulders and pulled his body into better contact with hers. She kissed him roughly, shamelessly and in no time he was responding just as aggressively.

He pulled back from her long enough to whip her top over her head. Immediately he began kissing her shoulders, his hands slipping down her bare back, caressing her hips. Oh God. What was she doing? His skin was smooth and silky under her hands and she loved the way his body quaked with her touch. She couldn’t stop touching him. This was so wrong. His mouth moved to her neck and she stiffened for a moment before relaxing. It was just kissing. Just kissing. But he felt it, how could he not, and he stiffened too. They sat there motionless for a moment and Buffy didn’t know what to do. She didn’t want him to stop.

Buffy moved first, sweeping her hands down his back, around his waist to his fly. She reveled in his sharp indrawn breath…she could still affect him. He still wanted her. He kissed her neck, softly, deliberately. She let him, a thrill racing down her spine. He could crush her with his bare hands. He could vamp and rip her throat out. Instead he made her moan helplessly with the magic of his lips and hands. She unzipped his fly and boldly pushed his jeans over his hips, he shifted, one foot and than the other…toeing off his jeans. Buffy trailed her hands down over his lean hips, and cupped his firm butt.

“Naughty girl.” He whispered in her ear. She smiled wickedly, letting her hands trip softly across his skin to enclose her fingers around his rock hard erection. She slid her hands lightly up and down, increasing the pressure, wiping her thumb over the weeping head of his penis to catch the moisture and wet her hands. “Jesus Buffy, Oh Lord, Bloody Hell Baby…” He began to chant helplessly in that way that he did. The way that let her know he was losing control. She sank fluidly to her knees and Spike let out a feeling groan and buried his hands in her hair. Still she teased him, kissing first one thigh and then the other, running her hand up his leg and cupping his sac lightly, gently massaging him to the tune of his breathless words of encouragement.

She slipped his penis into her mouth, first concentrating on the head and then pulling him in deep. She swept her tongue over the head as she bobbed up and down and his cussing became incoherent. She loved having this control over him, reducing him to speechlessness. It was a power trip like no other. When he started babbling about love she almost pulled back, almost stopped, but then hardened her heart and sucked harder. He didn’t mean it. I love you doesn’t count during sex. She just wished he wouldn’t…it hurt her in places she didn’t want to think about. Because deep down she wanted him to look her in the eye and whisper those fierce words of adoration. He bucked his hips forward and then stiffened and Buffy didn’t hesitate to swallow the warm bursts of liquid in her mouth.

“Buffy, Buffy, Buffy…” He chanted brokenly as he shuddered through his orgasm and she pulled back enough to look up at him as he stared down at her in wonder. He pulled her to her feet and kissed her without hesitation. Somehow she had thought that he wouldn’t want to…after…but he devoured her mouth desperately. Suddenly he hiked her up and she wrapped her legs around his hips automatically. He cupped his hands beneath her bottom to support her and stumbled blindly towards the back of the attic. She tried to pull back so he could see where he was going but he tugged her mouth back to his, as if she was his life’s breath and he would cease to exist if he wasn’t kissing her.
The bed wasn’t put together but Spike just kicked out at the mattress causing it to fall flat with a dull thud. He set her on her feet finally, kissing her neck , her shoulder. “Going to make you feel so good…Gonna fuck you so hard…” He started to push her down on the mattress but she resisted, catching his hands which were already starting to tug at her loose pants.

“Spike, sheets…I need sheets…” She panted breathlessly. She wanted him in a bad way but she wasn’t about to fornicate with a Vampire on her grandmother’s mattress…without sheets.

He lifted his head, giving her a bemused smile, and she laughed at his expression. “I’ll make you forget about sheets.” He growled, leaning in to nip at her chin. “I’ll make you forget your bloody name.”

She rolled her eyes and pulled away from him. “Ego much!” She said over her shoulder as she turned away and went back to the door for the sheets. She made sure the little lock was turned before she went back to him. She was intensely aware of her bare breasts swaying and clutched the bedding to her chest self consciously. She could have walked away just now. This was an admission. This was a concession. She was walking back to him of her own free will. He didn’t touch her, just reached for the sheets and carefully helped her make up the bed…well the mattress on the floor. She resisted the urge to cover herself again. This was ridiculous…it was nothing he hadn’t seen.
She glanced at him out of the corner or her eye and saw that he was carefully not looking. Sometimes the considerate things he did seriously freaked her out. She fluffed the last pillow tossing it on the bed and turned to touch him but he was already on the bed stretched out comfortably, his eyes on her face.

She started to get in bed to but he held up a hand. “Undress for me.” He said huskily and Buffy froze. His gaze raked over her, lingering on her breasts as she stood awkwardly at his feet. “Bend over and slide those filmy pants down over your hips.” She was sure that she was blushing like a virgin. But she did as he asked and tried not to rush because she wanted to please him. She stood again, kicking the pants off her feet and her body flushed all over. His eyes were hot and dark with lust and she ran her hands down over her breasts, her stomach, her hips, her thighs. Did he want her to take off her panties too? In a flash he was on his knee’s in front of her, bending down to take her breasts in her mouth.

Oh God, Oh God. “Spike…” She moaned out load and suddenly his hands were everywhere it seemed, her breasts were on fire with his touch and her panties were soaked through. Surely he could smell her lust. He whipped her panties down her thighs and tugged on her so that she crawled up the bed with him. She languidly wrapped herself around him, sliding one leg between his and kissed him. He wrapped his foot around her leg and pushed her panties off with his toes. His penis was quickly rising again pressing against her hip and Buffy found it exhilarating. She did this to him.

He rolled her over to her back, leisurely kissing her shoulder, and her collar bone. He kissed one breast, sucking gently, pulling the extended peak more firmly into his mouth. He pulled back and blew cool air over her flushed skin and Buffy trembled and let out another strangled sound of pleasure. His hand played over her stomach, swept along her hips. He laved his tongue in the valley between her breasts, his hand moving down her thigh. He placed small kisses all around her other breast, avoiding the nipple and Buffy moaned and tossed, “Please Spike…” before he finally flicked his tongue over her sensitive flesh and she almost achieved orgasm just from that sensation.

“Easy Pet…easy…Not yet…” He murmured against her skin, sliding his hand between her knees’s…urging her legs open. He kissed the skin beneath her breasts and ran his hand up her inner thigh. His head went lower, trailing kisses to her belly button. He dipped his tongue inside the small crevice at the same time as his fingers brushed over her curls so lightly that she almost screamed. Instead she gasped out loud and bucked her hips forward impatiently.

“Spike, I need…” He teased her open with one long finger, sweeping it from bottom to top, kissing her hipbone, “I need, oh Spppiiiikkkeee…” He trailed his tongue over the hollow between her hips, finger brushing over her clit, rotating and then retreating. Buffy was making breathless sounds of pleasure and didn’t care if he knew how good he felt to her. Her hips rocked shamelessly, trying to gain more contact. He was kissing her thighs and Buffy opened her legs wider to give him access…so wrapped up in her lust that she didn’t feel a twinge of embarrassment at the way he looked at her intimate parts. He pushed her knee back more, running his hand more firmly over her pussy, spreading her lips for his eyes before finally lowering his head for a taste.

He turned her into a writhing slut. She slipped one leg over his shoulder, opening her legs wider and gasped and moaned and thrust as he worked her over with his tongue. He was relentless, working her clit softly until she was coming apart and then pulling back to lick her pussy lips, kiss her thighs. She realized after the third, maybe fourth time he had almost brought her to orgasm that she was begging him and stopped abruptly. He let out a muffled laugh against her sensitive skin. Asshole. And then he got serious, slipping fingers inside of her, flicking her sensitive flesh with his tongue. In minutes, seconds, hours…who knew… she was Cumming like a freight train,

He rested his head on her stomach and watched her come down from her high, Her breathing began to steady and she ran her fingers through his silky hair, making sure it was properly mussed. He grinned like a feral cat and stalked his way up her body, leaving wet soft kisses in his wake. He settled between her thighs and kissed her lips. Buffy drew her knees up to his hips and planted her feet on the mattress to give him purchase. He balanced his weight on his forearms and teased her opening, rotating his hips before entering her fully.

He rocked slowly and she met his easy thrusts, adjusting to his fullness, shuddering at his hardness rubbing against her sensitized flesh. She ran her hands possessively over his shoulders, his back. Looking up into his eyes as she thrust inside her. She wrapped one leg around his lean hips urging him to increase his pace as the light pleasure she was feeling began to build. She slid her leg down his leg, wrapping her foot around his ankle, finding balance and flipping him suddenly. He landed hard on his back, his cock stabbing her sweet spot and causing her to spasm and cry out with pleasure. She got her balance and found her rhythm. Bracing her hands on his chest and sitting up strait, riding him relentlessly.

Tremors of pleasure rocked through her body as she rocked to the soundtrack of pants and moans and groans. His hands caressed her hips, her stomach. He sat up slowly, pushing his hips against hers and Buffy cried out loudly at the sensation. He kissed her lips, her jaw, as they writhed together, wildly passionate, and loud...Buffy tried to temper her moans…what if her mother could hear…but he wrung sound from her without mercy.

His hands fisted in her hair, arching her body like a bow, thrusting her chest out so he could taste and touch and tease. Buffy cried out at the sensations and her fluid movements atop him became sloppy, her hands greedily pulling him closer, and still he wasn’t close enough. Adrenaline washed through her veins, a heightened awareness of every touch and breath and sound. He filled her up and left her begging for more at the same time.

She moaned out loud at the rough touch of his callused fingers as he glided his hands firmly down her slick back to grasp her hips, guide her movements. He pulled her onto his prick more forcefully, changed the angle she was hitting, causing her to quiver and gasp like the wanton woman he turned her into. Buffy twisted and sobbed at his firm kisses, wet tongue finding it’s way along her collarbone, laving a warm kiss to her earlobe, and ending at her throat, leaving a necklace of marks in his wake. She shuddered, even as she tilted her head back, surrendering her neck to him. She could feel her pulse fluttering at her throat in time with the blood pounding in her ears. She danced a knife’s edge between fear and excitement and her whole body spasmed when he nipped her with flat even teeth.

Every rough pull of his hands brought Buffy down sharply down on him, the head of his cock brushing roughly against her g-spot causing her to cry out in little gasps and whimpers. Buffy pushed hard against him, rubbing herself off, and finally her body spiraled out of control as orgasms ripped through her like a tsunami. His own strangled cry entwining with hers as he gave his last few thrusts with desperate urgency. She collapsed against him, boneless and trembling. His hands now soothing against her heated skin.

After a while Spike laid back with her sprawled over him and Buffy fumbled behind her for the blankets bringing them over her rapidly cooling skin. She burrowed against him, breathing in his scent, enjoying the feel of his silky skin against her cheek. Should they talk? What on earth would she say? Buffy lay in the silence and agonized. He would have to promise, promise not to kill or feed or hurt people. She would have to trust him. A soulless evil Vampire. Trust him not to lie to her. Trust him with her family, her friends.

And who was to say he even wanted to? So he indulged in sex with her. It hardly meant that he wanted to give up his entire way of life, deny his nature, and pal around with the Slayer and her friends. He was probably thinking about it right now. Buffy didn’t really think he would hurt her mother, or her sister. But Faith would make a tasty snack on his way out to find Drusilla and go back to madness and mayhem. Was he just waiting for her to fall asleep, avoid the confrontation?

And what if he hunted in Sunnydale? A memory flashed in her mind…A sword through Angel’s gut, his confusion, as he was swallowed by the swirling vortex of light. She would have to do her duty. But she couldn’t even imagine dusting him. But still the scenario played over in her head. Him bent over a helpless victim…raising his head…blood dripping from his fangs. He laughed at her even as the girl fell boneless and limp to the floor and he sprang over dead body…

Spike was pulling away from her. “Where are you going?” She asked, frightened that he hadn’t decided to wait. He began pulling on his jeans, his face a closed mask. “Spike, I thought you were going to stay tonight…”

She couldn’t do this now, it was too soon, she just…she couldn’t even think. He buttoned his fly, he didn’t leave it undone for her. She got out of bed, wrapping a sheet, going to him but he stepped back from her, face all hard planes and angles, eyes blazing angrily.

“You reek of fear.” He accused, running his hands through his hair, not meeting her eyes. “I have to go…I can’t stay here. This was a mistake.” He turned for the door but Buffy couldn’t leave it like that. Her mouth opened of its own violation and words spilled out.

“What do you mean a mistake?” He kept walking away. “Spike,” She ran a bit, grasped his arm to stop him. “Where are you going?”

He did stop, turning his head to look at her from one eye. “Are you going to tell me you’re not afraid?” He whispered and she knew better than to lie.

“I’m not afraid of you.”

“But?”

“I’m afraid of what you’re capable of.” She admitted, letting go of his arm and wrapping her hands around her middle. “You’ve got access to my life, my family, my friends…”

”I’ve already proved I can be trusted with them...” He broke in angrily, turning fully and stalking towards her, all panther grace and fluid movement. She retreated instinctually and he stopped short, face twisting angrily, cheeks hollowing out, eyes flashing amber. “I’ve been a good pet vamp, even helped you battle the baddies…”

“That was before…” She took a deep breath. “Spike, things are different now. I don’t have any hold over you…”

He reached out and touched her face and she jumped in her skin. “Oh you’ve got a hold on me. I’ll be who you need me to be...”

“And if you can’t.” She whispered, hating the quaver in her voice, the sheen of tears blurring her vision. “If I have to, to…”

“I won’t, you’ll have to trust me.” He said softly, the pads of his thumbs brushing away her tears.

“But you’re a Vampire.” She looked up at him, pleading silently for him to understand where she was coming from.

“You trust Angel.” He said, and there was a slight bite to his voice that warned her to tread lightly, still it needed to be said…

“He has a soul.”

He spun away from her, punching air and making a strangled sound of frustration. “Well I don’t!” He snarled, striding away from her then spinning back to stalk towards her. “They aren’t handing them out like candy at Halloween either so we’ll have to make due without one.”

“I don’t know if I can…I’ll try…we’ll work at it.” He stopped coming towards her, close enough to touch but miles away.

“I have to go..” He said turning towards the door again.

“Spike! Wait. Spend the night; we’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow won’t have changed anything Slayer.” He said in a low strangled voice. “A clean break is best…if you ever need me…” And then he was gone. She struggled into her pajamas and raced down the stairs, calling his name, not caring who she woke. But Angel stopped her at her door.

“He’s gone Buffy, you won’t catch him.” And she knew he was right.


Hello Readers. Thank you all for your kind words. So appreciated. I really wanted to end this story without breaking up the drama. However it was getting really long and I didn't want the ending to feel rushed so I'm going to go ahead and post what I have now and finish up next chapter. Also please excuse any grammar mistakes. I just read it over quickly before posting.

As it turned out the original spell had not been intended to create a mating bond between her and Spike. The original spell was the Tri- Something or other. Anyway Giles explained that the purpose of the spell was for two warriors to blend essences in order to create a powerful magic to defeat a third opponent. When the two “champions” as Giles called them opened their link to the opponent it created a magical vortex that killed all three participants. Something about the third essence of magic or the third realm or third something. So basically the spell was only used in dire circumstances because of the body count.

Giles believed that Drusilla manipulated the original spell in order to affect all souls instead of just three linked beings. And by stepping in and setting up a link we circumvented her changes. However Vampire’s don’t have souls, and they aren’t selfless beings, so Spike’s demon manipulated the spell further by twisting it into something that was acceptable to it. Thus the mating bond. And the mating bond had been so powerful that it had protected both of them when they had opened the bond to a third being creating the vortex thingie. However protecting the two of them destroyed the bond.

So the hellmouth was quiet, everything was right with the world, and Buffy found it easier to focus on the clinical facts of what had happened to her than to think about the emotional whirlwind the whole thing had created. Surely a soul-sucking vortex would have been less painful. So she got up in the mornings and went to school, did the whole college thing. She pretended to be normal, with the bouncy hair and the smiles and the studies. She even began casually dating Riley. In the evening’s she Slayed. Vampire’s and Monsters and all manner of evil things. And she pretended that she did not miss Spike.

Her friends asked her if she was all right and she assured them she was fine. She ruthlessly squashed the urge to sob into her pillow. And she gave her all to making it work with Riley. A nice normal boy. Corn fed, polite, Iowa farm boy. Everything a girl could ask for in a boyfriend. And Buffy felt nothing. His soft gentle kisses left her wanting, and his feather light touches made her giggle. And this whole thing wasn’t really fair to him. They’d been out half a dozen times, and though he hadn’t pressured her at all Buffy could tell that he’d like to move things to the next level.

But here was the crazy thing that she hid in the dark corners of her mind, and didn’t even really admit to herself. Every time Riley touched her Buffy had awful pangs of guilt. Because it felt like she was cheating on Spike. She knew that she was being irrational. Spike was gone. And he was the one who had left. But those cold facts didn’t change the truth. And the truth was she wasn’t ready to sleep with someone else. And it would definitely be a while before she was. So tonight. Tonight she would tell Riley that it was best if they didn’t see each other anymore.

Riley was, of course, promptly on time. And Buffy was running late. She ran about haphazardly putting on her shoes with one hand and brushing through her hair with the other. When she finally made it down the stairs Riley was chatting with her mom. The atmosphere in the room was tense. Dawn was deliberately ignoring him, and her mother was wearing her strained polite smile. Why didn’t her family ever like her boyfriends? Well they had both liked Spike, but that was different.

Buffy gave what was becoming an exhausting cheery smile and bounded up to Riley, taking his arm, and urging him out the door. Always the gentleman Riley opened the door for her and as usual Buffy felt a pang, remembering that Spike always did that for her. God she was pathetic. Riley carefully drove the speed limit and parked neatly in front of the ice cream shop. He then got out and walked around the car to open the door for her, holding her elbow. It was official. She was insane. How on earth could she prefer a swaggering, chain smoking, obnoxious Brit to this sweet guy? That bond had obviously warped her mind.

But after ice cream Buffy took a deep breath and blurted out that she didn’t want to see him anymore. As expected these things never went smoothly. Riley wore his hurt puppy dog expression and wanted to know why. The truth was she really didn’t know so she tried the whole it’s not you it’s me spiel which he didn’t buy for a minute. Polite and well-mannered, yes. Stupid, no. Then he came right out and asked her if this was about that guy she had been seeing and she had admitted that yes partly she just wasn’t over him. This was of course followed by the give me a chance speech, how he wouldn’t push her and he understood she needed to take things slow. This inability to listen to what she was saying was exactly what got on her nerves about him. She’d already said she wanted to call it quits, why did he have to drag it out like this? By the time it was all said and done she had another date with him for Saturday. Her life sucked!

Giving Riley a chaste kiss at the end of their evening made Buffy’s skin crawl, and she knew that he could tell that she was uncomfortable. And now instead of the relief she had told herself she would feel if she told him she felt guilt and dread about her next date. Maybe she should have done this over the phone, where she wouldn’t be affected by puppy dog eyes and could hang up on him right after she was done talking. Then she could have done the avoidance thing, not take his calls and stealthily avoid him at school. It was about time that this Slayer business came in handy for something. But nooooo. She had to be all mature about it. Maturity sucked. And she would not be trying it again any time soon.

Intensely frustrated by her life Buffy took off strait away to Slay without going inside and grabbing extra weapons. The hellmouth had been quiet and she didn’t think that she would need a broadsword or a battle-axe or anything except her trusty stake. Oh and her extra stake. But she never went anywhere without those so she was all prepared to deal out dusty death.

The first two cemeteries were quiet. Buffy carelessly scanned for broken earth and other signs of disturbance. She was far too caught up in her own thoughts however to give much thought to why Sunnydale was so peaceful tonight. She found out why however when she hit the Garden Grove cemetery. She felt them before she saw them. She considered running for it but straitened her spine resolutely and gripped the stake in her pocket for comfort. It was too late for running. If she could sense them they already knew she was there. These were not fledglings.

Still, she did still have time to find some advantage. Choose where to make her stand. Her eyes swept over the graveyard, landing on a tall mausoleum with sweeping stone sides. She pulled out her stake and broke into a run, dodging headstones gracefully. Two Vampires materialized out of the ether between her and her goal but Buffy didn’t stop. She stepped on one stone slab, sprang to a taller headstone and vaulted into the air, tucking her body in close and flying over her twin obstructions. The move was so unexpected that it left the two gaping like idiots long enough for her to crouch into a landing and spin with her back against the stone wall, relatively safe from attack from behind.

She wasted no time, spinning quickly, kicking out. They were on her too fast to count them and Buffy ruthlessly squashed her fear. She concentrated on the fight. Spin kick, short jab, thrust, side swipe. Hit punch dodge turn. There was no time for witty quips or snarky comebacks. She was in a fight for her life and she knew it. The twisted thing was that in the back of her mind she was thinking if she died tonight she had an airtight excuse to miss her date on Saturday. Not even Riley could argue with attending one’s own funeral as a necessary calendar item.

The air became thick with dust and Buffy started to breathe through her mouth to keep from choking on it. She was retreating now, on the defensive. There weren’t that many left. She had worked her way through a swath of evil and ought to be proud. But she was exhausted, limbs shaking uncontrollably. Her movements were becoming clumsy and heavy and they knew it. She could see it on their taunting faces as they circled her. They had long ago drawn her out from the relative safety of her wall. She pictured her mother over her casket and lifted her chin. She wasn’t going down easy.

She sprang on them with a new burst of energy and managed to dust two before she was knocked off balance. Her stake was wretched from her fingers as the Vampire lowered his head to rip her throat out while she struggled ineffectually. And then she fell gracelessly on her butt, breaking her fall with both arms like an amateur. She stared up for one breathless moment at the figure in the dust. Black leather, blazing blue eyes, all she got was a glance before he was whirling to defend her. Never one to be a damsel Buffy clambered to her feet and drew out her extra stake, finding only one Vampire to engage with.

They traded blows for a few seconds, before she managed to get a stake clumsily through his heart. There was no energy left in her for finesse or a display of skill. She was trembling like a leaf and her legs were made of rubber. Not the plastic container kind either, no the floppy stretchy stuff used to make rubber bands. She stood alone in the swirl of dust, making a conscious effort to stand as strait and tall as possible, attempting to ooze confidence in her ability as a slayer. She turned in a circle, finding the cemetery empty except for Spike.

Head tilted, arms akimbo, he looked exactly like he had the last time she had seen him…only with more clothes. Somehow she had expected him to look different, because she was different. They stared at each other and Buffy knew he could hear her heart racing in her chest. For a moment the emotions overwhelming her were so intense that they made her breath shorten and her head feel light. She felt like giggling, she felt like dancing. She was snowed under with joy and affection and peace…it was, it was…

It was love

That was the only way to describe what she was feeling. And the realization left her shaking. She was in love with him. With Spike. Oh God! Could he see it on her face? Did he know? Did it matter? Suddenly she just wanted to throw herself in her arms and confess her feelings. Kiss him and say sweet nothings. Shag him into the ground. He moved suddenly, coming into her space and Buffy tried to be rational, tried to think defensively, but she found herself moving towards him as well. So what if he was a dangerous Vampire, she could handle him.

Her joy was fading fast as he grew nearer. There were so many obstacles, and who’s to say he was even interested in overcoming them. Who’s to say he hadn’t jumped in just because he felt some small amount of misplaced loyalty but would be moving on when they had exchanged pleasantries? And it wasn’t just her heart on the line…Jenny Calendar’s face flashed in her mind and her stomach plummeted to her feet with a sickening jar to her insides. Why did she always fall in love with the impossible?

Spike stood there for a moment and then reached out with both hands wiping the pads of his fingers over her wet cheeks. She hadn’t realized that tears had sprung until he brought it to her attention. No telling how many innocents had fallen prey to him since the last time she had seen him, he looked well fed. Buffy swallowed the lump in her throat. It was Angel all over again. Why were the powers so cruel? She’d learned her lesson when she had let Angel walk free, why did they have to test her like this? All of a sudden she wished he had never come back…because now…because now…

“I haven’t been feeding, been drinking rations since the day I left. Just like bloody peaches.”

She blinked. That was impossible. Vampires didn’t just give up human blood. “Oh come on Spike,” She said softly, her voice trembling. “You don’t really expect me to believe that do you?”

“Have I ever lied to you?” He had her there…but he couldn’t be serious. Spike lived for the kill, he was violence walking, God help her but that was one of the things that drew her to him. “Had to prove I could do it. To myself. Prove I could live without it. Had to prove that the hunt wasn’t as important as I thought it was before I had you.” He paused then, took in her dumbstruck expression. Decided that she was speechless and continued in a suddenly not so gentle tone of voice. “You can call the Poof if you want. I’ve Been parading around LA wearing the poncey cape of defender. Been doing all kinds of disgusting good deeds just to keep myself busy.”

Could he be serious? She wouldn’t have to dust him. But she should call. Even if it meant talking to Angel…about Spike. That would be beyond awkward.

“Why are you here?” The words weren’t right. There were so many things to say, so much to talk about. But they just popped out without her consent and she stood there like an idiot embarrassed for herself.

“Why am I here?” he repeated with a wry twist to his tone, his expression changing like a kaleidoscope and his body springing into familiar action. He began to pace and Buffy smiled, it was good when he did the expected “Why am I here? The bint asks. As if she doesn’t know. As if she doesn’t know she has my heart in the palm of her hand.”

His head swiveled, eyes piercing her. “I’m a soddin fool I am, Love’s Bitch. Always have been. You own me completely, you’re willing slave.” His hands came up, cupped her face, then fell away when he spun around to pace again. She ought to break in but she couldn’t seem to get in a word in edgewise. “But you don’t want me, I’m a bleedin Vampire, can’t be trusted, can’t be loved. Too good for the likes of me. Used to it anyway, got Bloke’s lined up around the bend just beggin for your favor, not that you notice them…got eyes for no one but the…”

He finally went still and silent when she placed her fingers on his lips. She really didn’t know what to say. He still didn’t say why he was here. And for some reason she believed him about where he had been and what he had been doing.

“Are you saying you’re in love with me?” She finally whispered, unable to get any other words past her lips. His eyes bulged and he got that outraged expression that she loved so much on his face.

“In love with you! In love with you! Haven’t you been listening to a word I said? How could you not know I’m in love with you! Are you blind! Are you deaf?”

“Boy, Spike you really know how to woo a girl. Just call her names and she’ll swoon at your feet.” Buffy said, rolling her eyes, but unable to suppress the grin of pure ecstasy on her lips. When he opened his mouth to snark back she stopped him cold by grabbing his hair and pulling him down for a kiss.

She felt like she was drowning in his touch. He immediately snaked arms around her and pulled her close to him. It was like coming home. He tasted the same, fresh and clean, his tongue slid against hers like cool velvet. His shoulders were firm, his muscles tense as she slid her hands over his familiar body. He touched her all over, his hands in her hair, on her face, down her back, on her hips. He nipped, and sucked, and kissed her like there was no tomorrow, and she supposed for them there might not be. It leant an air of desperation to her kisses, her touches. He felt it and responded in kind.

She snapped back to reality when she felt her back pressed roughly up against the mausoleum wall, his hand inching her skirt up as he laid feverish kisses along her collarbone. “Spike, we can’t do this here. In the cemetery. Eewww…”

He chuckled darkly against her skin, one hand in her hair, the other brushing over the vee of her panties. He did it again. “Been so bloody long since I touched you, an eternity…” He whispered, his mouth finding it’s way back to hers and kissing her, soft wet kisses. One long finger pushed the scrap of material aside, finding her wet and wanting.

“Spike, seriously, lets go somewhere else.” She panted between kisses, even as she shamelessly titled her hips to give him better access, a shock rocking through her body when he gently moved his finger over her bare clitoris. He growled words of desire as he trailed his mouth down to her throat. She arched her head back and gave him access as he slipped first one finger, and then two, inside her. Within seconds she was clutching him and trembling as her first orgasm in weeks, since the last time he’d touched her, swept over her. The speed and strength of her response shocked her beyond belief.

She came down off her high to his soft kisses; he had removed his hand from her panties but continued to rock his hips against her as if he couldn’t stop. “Where do you want to go?” He asked breathless, his voice that low husky deep drawl that made her shiver. It was empowering to know that he wanted her this badly.

“You have to know,” She said pushing off the wall, straitening her clothes, “That this can’t work. We can’t be together. We’re too different.” The words came out choked and brittle, tearing her very heart out as she said them. She wanted to confess her love but she knew if she did that Spike would never walk away, he was built that way, loyal. But she could never trust him, not completely, not like before. She took his hand, walking backwards with him, towards somewhere that they could get a room. “Tonight, that’s all there can be. You do know that…right?”

He quickened, pushing into her space, one long leg striding between hers and she walked backwards, his lithe hard body brushing up against hers. “Doesn’t have to be that way, we were all right before. Bloody perfect. Can be again.”

She turned, disentangling herself from him before she tripped and fell on her bum. But she kept onto his hand and sped up her pace. Eager, to be somewhere she could touch him better. “That was before…” She trailed off, not really wanting to talk about it, but needing to before they fell into bed together. She couldn’t lead him on. She couldn’t lead herself on. If she forgot for one moment that this was just temporary she might never be able to let him go. “We can’t have that again. The bond is gone.”

He turned her then, his eyes boring into hers, his hands on her shoulders. “We could have it again.” He whispered. “It’s just a simple bite, some lovemaking, a spell. All you have to do is surrender to me, and you could be mine again.” He whispered.

Her eyes bulged and widened, she hadn’t thought of that. And the dark promise left her speechless.

“Would do anything to be that close to you again.” He continued. “I love you. Love you so completely. I want to have that with you again. And we could Buffy, it would be so easy…” He trailed off, leaning in, kissing her open mouth. “Be mine love, belong to me, I’ll be so good to you I swear…” He kissed the corner of her mouth, bent his head to kiss her neck, pulling her closer. He wrapped his arms around her, slid his hands down to cup her bum. “I’ll make you love me. Love you so good you can’t help it….” He ground her pelvis into hers, reminding her of the fantastic bulge in his pants.

Oh God! She needed to think. She needed to be calm and rational. But he was shoving his hands up under her top to touch her breasts and she couldn’t think of anything except his cool hands…She pushed him away, hard.

He looked up, wounded, his hands still in the air where she used to be.

“You want to be mates again?” She asked dumbfounded. “You can do that?” She rushed on without an answer. Spinning away so she wouldn’t have to look into his eyes, eyes that burned into her soul and made her knees shake. Oh Lord. He was offering her paradise and she didn’t think she could bare it if this glimmering hope was ripped from her. “Are you serious?” She asked in a low voice, her head bent dejectedly.

“Oi, Pet! Don’t be so sad. I’ll be a good mate. I’ll take care of you and love you and…” He trailed off when she spun around and ran into his arms, squeezing tight enough to make him grunt.

She looked up at him through her shining tears. “Can you really do that? Make it like it was?” She asked in a trembling tearful voice and his face gentled.

“Course I can gorgeous. Do anything you want me too. I want to do this. If you’ll just let me. I know you don’t love me like I do you, but in time…” He cut off again when she whacked him in his head.

“You idiot! You blinding self centered idiot. How dare you assume about my feelings. Of course I love you. How could you not know that! Do you think I let Vampires kiss me everyday! What kind of a girl do you think I am?” She took a shuddering breath, revealing in his awestruck look, and looped her arm through his. “Now is your car here or not because I am sooo sick of the cemetery.”

Miracles would never cease, Spike had nothing to say. But he did sweep her up in his arms and break into a run for the edge of the cemetery. She threw her arms around his neck, squealing, that day at the park flashing in her memory. On the street was his car and he set her too her feet, opening the passenger door for her. She got in, scowling at the blacked out windows. She hated not being able to see where she was going. And no matter how good his senses were, Spike must not be able to see well. He was in the drivers seat a moment later but didn’t start the car. “Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t know. A room.”

He nodded, looked at her out of the corner of his eye, started the car and peeled off down the road.
 

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